Members of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on patrol. PHOTO | ASHRAF SHAZLY | AFP

South Sudan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed a UN Panel of Experts’ report that Sudan’s Rapid Support Force (RSF) is using the country’s territory to regularly transport fuel.

According to the report, fuel trucks travel from the capital, Juba, to Wau every week.

It further claimed that the fuel is transferred on civilian vehicles, such as Land Cruisers, destined for Raja and eventually to areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces in South Darfur via Kafia-Kingi.

In a statement on Monday, 29th January, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs refuted the report, describing it as a baseless accusation against South Sudan.

“We firmly reject these unfounded allegations against South Sudan. We caution against the detrimental effects of baseless allegations, such as those raised by the UN Panel of Experts,” the ministry said in a statement.

Juba stressed that such allegations neither help in problem-solving nor support the peace efforts South Sudan’s government initiated to peacefully resolve conflicts in Sudan.

It urged all stakeholders “to exercise caution and rely on verified information when assessing the situation.”

The ministry, reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to regional peace and stability, expressing readiness to collaborate with international partners to achieve these common goals.

In September 2023, the United States imposed sanctions on top commanders in Sudan’s RSF paramilitary, accusing the group of committing “extensive” rights violations during its months-long conflict with the Sudanese military.