Hon. David Nyang – State Minister of Cabinet Affairs, South Sudan stated if Ethiopia and Somaliland deal progresses, they don’t rule out future Somaliland cooperation
Exclusive Interview to The Advocate Post by Abdul Rafay Afzal – Editor in Chief a question asked related to Somaliland Hon. Nyang, where as follows; “With South Sudan’s oil exports blocked through Sudan and alternative routes stalled, how viable is Somaliland’s Berbera port as a solution given your historical ties?
State Minister of Cabinet Affairs, South Sudan Hon. Nyang responded; “Facing an economic crisis due to the year-long shutdown of oil exports through Sudan, South Sudan is urgently exploring alternative routes, with government officials acknowledging that while Somaliland lacks international recognition, its strategic Berbera port could offer a potential solution given historical ties (Somaliland’s representative office in Juba and its delegation attending South Sudan’s 2011 independence).
The government is currently prioritizing more immediate options like the Ethiopia-Djibouti corridor and Kenya’s delayed Lamu Port project, but maintains that if Ethiopia’s deal with Somaliland progresses, South Sudan would consider utilizing Berbera as an option, balancing diplomatic sensitivities with the desperate need to restore oil revenue streams amid hyperinflation and currency collapse.
The distance is challenging, but for a landlocked nation, every option must be studied. Right now, Djibouti remains more feasible, but we don’t rule out future Somaliland cooperation.