Sudan envoy accuses UAE of blocking shipment of South Sudan Oil
Sudanese ambassador to South Sudan, Isam Mohamed Hassan says move aimed at undermining Sudan’s relations with neighboring countries.
By Chuol Chanyong
The Sudanese ambassador to South Sudan, Isam Mohamed Hassan on Wednesday told the press in Juba that the United Arab Emirates has prevented the ships carrying South Sudanese crude oil coming from Sudan’s Bashayer Port, to docking at UAE’s Fujairah Port.
He described the incident as part of “strategies” by the United Arab Emirates aimed at undermining Sudan’s relations with neighboring countries.
“The incident involving the Sudanese oil tanker, which departed from Port Sudan en route to Fujairah, is one of the measures the UAE is using to sabotage Sudan’s good relations with neighboring countries, particularly South Sudan,” Ambassador Mohamed said.
He emphasized that the crude oil on board belongs to South Sudan, not Sudan.
“The UAE knows very well that this oil does not belong to Sudan; it is South Sudanese oil. The ship departed from Bashayer Port in Sudan, carrying 80,000 tons of Dar Blend crude, bound for Fujairah for the purpose of exporting South Sudanese oil, not Sudanese.”
On August 11, the United Arab Emirates issued Customer Advisory number 28-2025 – Restrictions on Port Sudan Operations
“In adherence to the directive issued by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEl) dated 07 August 2025 and in alignment with the strategic interests of the United Arab Emirates, the following restrictions are to be implemented with immediate effect concerning maritime interactions with Port Sudan,” the statement read in part.
It added that no sailing permits will be issued to UAE-flagged vessels for voyages to Port Sudan.
“The handling of any cargo or containers, whether for import, export, or transshipment, originating from or destined for Port Sudan is strictly prohibited across all ports and terminals.”
The enforcement status across the UAE imposed an embargo on Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al and Khaimah.
However, it said Dubai and Sharjah are still under discussion for possible restrictions.
“We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in supporting national directives. Further updates will be communicated as they become available,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has accused the UAE of providing military support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been engaged in armed conflict inside Sudan for over 26 months, adding a political dimension to the UAE’s recent restrictions on maritime and aviation sectors.
The Bloomberg also reported that the oil tanker “Pola,” a Suezmax-class vessel carrying 80,000 tons of South Sudanese Dar Blend crude, has been waiting near Fujairah Port for over a week without being allowed to unload its cargo, despite departing from Bashayer Port in Sudan.
The agency added that the vessel had previously anchored off the coast of Oman before arriving near Fujairah, and it is currently stationed approximately 100 kilometers from the Emirati port. No official explanation has been provided as to why it has been denied permission to dock.
In a press briefing on Wednesday, Ambassador Mohamed said, “the UAE is doing everything it can to undermine Sudan’s relations with neighboring countries, especially South Sudan, due to the significant economic interdependence through oil.”
However, he stressed that the Sudanese government is closely monitoring the situation and is working toward positive resolutions in the near future.”
It’s worth noting that the export of South Sudanese oil resumed in May 2025 after nearly a year-long halt, reactivating the vital export route via Sudanese ports.
The UAE’s abrupt decision has led observers to speculate that the shipment may be redirected to the Singapore Strait, where alternative refueling and unloading facilities are available in Southeast Asia, according to the American news agency.
