"We the willing, led by the unknowing, are doing the impossible for the ungrateful. We have done so much, with so little, for so long, we are now qualified to do anything, with nothing" By Konstantin Josef Jireček, a Czech historian, diplomat and slavist.
Global Arab Network – South Sudan is exploring alternatives to transporting its oil through North Sudan, as the two countries face a stalemate over dividing up oil revenues, a government official said Thursday.
South Sudan took 75 percent of the 500,000 barrels a day of oil production when it became independent on July 9, but only the north has a pipeline and a port to export the oil.
Last month, North Sudan halted an oil shipment from landlocked South Sudan in a dispute over customs fees.
“We are having conversations. We are looking to the alternatives,” Pagan Amum, secretary general of the ruling southern Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), told Reuters at a mining industry conference.
“Meanwhile, we believe if Khartoum accepts a deal, it would be in the interests of both Khartoum and the South,” Amum said, adding that he expects international mediators to encourage Khartoum to be “reasonable” in negotiations.
Experts have said southern plans to connect to a pipeline in east African neighbour Kenya are years away, but Amum indicated that an alternative through East Africa would be more economical than paying the $32 per barrel fee that Khartoum has demanded for future use of its oil facilities.
PaanLuel Wël is a South Sudanese blogger, writer and media entrepreneur who runs a popular online media platform called PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd. He is the founder and editor-in-chief of PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd, a news website that covers various topics related to South Sudan and the world. PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd is a website that covers news, opinions, analysis, history, culture and literature of South Sudan and the world. It was founded in 2011 by PaanLuel Wël and a group of South Sudanese bloggers and writers who wanted to create a platform for free expression and constructive dialogue. The website features articles from various contributors, including columnists, commentators, poets, authors, activists and academics. PaanLuel Wël, one of the most influential and respected voices in the South Sudanese media landscape, is a proud son of South Sudan who strives to contribute to the development and prosperity of his country and people. He is passionate about promoting the values of democracy, human rights, peace and development in South Sudan and beyond. He believes that media can play a vital role in informing, educating and empowering the people to participate in nation-building and social transformation. He also believes that media can foster a culture of dialogue, tolerance and diversity among different communities and groups. He is an advocate for freedom of expression and access to information as fundamental rights for all citizens. PaanLuel Wël hopes to inspire and mentor the next generation of South Sudanese writers and journalists.