As the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) edge closer to Sudan’s southern border, Sudanese Sovereign Council Chairman, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, met with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit in Juba to discuss vital matters related to enhancing “border security” between the two countries. The meeting comes at a time when the ongoing conflict between Sudanese forces and the RSF continues to intensify, raising concerns over the stability of the region.
The visit comes on the heels of military reports confirming that the RSF has taken control of the “Qeili” area in the Al-Tadamon locality of Sudan’s Blue Nile State, located in the southeastern part of the country. Sources indicated that the RSF is now focusing on capturing the city of Damazin, the capital of the Blue Nile State, which borders South Sudan. This strategic move is reportedly aimed at securing new supply lines and establishing stronger links with South Sudan, further escalating tensions in the region.
During the brief yet critical visit on Wednesday, General Al-Burhan presented an in-depth briefing to President Kiir on the current situation in Sudan, providing insight into the ongoing internal conflict. This discussion also included broader cooperation on matters of mutual interest, particularly on border security, which has emerged as a key priority for both countries in light of the changing security dynamics.
The meeting, as confirmed by Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also involved discussions on oil cooperation and the shared challenges of managing the porous border between the two nations. Both leaders agreed on the necessity of increased collaboration to secure the border and prevent any further escalation of violence along their mutual frontier.
In addition to his meeting with President Kiir, General Al-Burhan also engaged with South Sudan’s First Vice President Riek Machar. The Sudanese delegation, which included the head of Sudan’s General Intelligence Directorate, General Ahmed Ibrahim Mufaddal, along with Minister of Energy and Petroleum Mohamed Al-Naim, and Sudan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Hussein Al-Amin, underscored the importance of a unified approach to regional security.
This high-level diplomatic visit highlights the deepening ties between Sudan and South Sudan, particularly as both nations work to stabilize their borders amid the ongoing Sudanese conflict. Both governments seem increasingly determined to bolster cooperation in areas such as border control, oil production, and infrastructure development, essential for ensuring the prosperity and security of both countries.
In the context of the ongoing conflict in Sudan, securing the border and ensuring that the RSF does not exploit the area for further military or logistical advantage has become a top priority for both nations. Given the strategic significance of the border, the meeting in Juba is seen as a crucial step toward fostering greater bilateral cooperation, especially as tensions in Sudan continue to rise and the potential for regional instability grows.
The South Sudanese leadership, while expressing support for Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, has also reiterated the importance of maintaining peaceful borders, a sentiment echoed by General Al-Burhan, who emphasized Sudan’s commitment to peaceful and constructive relations with its southern neighbor.
