Sudan’s oil exports through Port Sudan have resumed following repairs to facilities damaged in drone attacks, offering a temporary reprieve for the landlocked nation’s economy but exposing deeper labor and security challenges.

Joint Repairs Reopen Critical Export Route

After weeks of paralysis caused by RSF drone strikes on key infrastructure, technical teams from Sudan and South Sudan managed to restore operations at Port Sudan. The port serves as the main conduit for South Sudan’s 110,000 barrels per day of oil exports.

Sudan’s deputy ambassador to South Sudan, Mubarak Mahjoub Musa, told Radio Tamazuj, “The damage was repaired through joint technical committees between Juba and Port Sudan. I can confirm everything is functioning.”

Economic Fragility: Nilepet Workers on Strike

Despite the resumption of oil flows, Nilepet employees in South Sudan have launched a strike over unpaid salaries and benefits. Nancy Malir, a representative of the workers’ union, said: “Our salaries were cut by 70%, and management promised arrears once production resumed, but nothing has been paid.”

The strike highlights the fragility of South Sudan’s petroleum-dependent economy amid regional instability and budgetary strain.

RSF Attacks and Conflict Impact

The RSF's targeting of energy infrastructure last month paralyzed exports and further strained relations between Sudan’s army-aligned government and the paramilitary force. The broader conflict that erupted in April 2023 has killed tens of thousands and displaced over 13 million people, threatening both countries’ economic survival.

This marks the second major disruption in two years—exports had only resumed in January following a yearlong suspension due to pipeline damage from earlier fighting.