As South Sudan continues to lay the foundations for its development, infrastructural projects supported by China are playing a pivotal role. Among these, the China-aided Clement Mboro Bridge in Wau and the Air Traffic Management System (ATMS) stand out as milestones of cooperation, reflecting the deepening partnership between the two nations.
Earlier this year, the Clement Mboro Bridge was officially handed over in a ceremony held in Juba, marking a significant milestone in South Sudan’s infrastructure development. The bridge, which spans the Jur River in Wau, has become a crucial artery for the region, significantly improving transportation and accessibility for the local population.
Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan Ma Qiang emphasized the bridge’s fundamental, leading and strategic role in the transportation industry, highlighting it as a key support and guarantee for economic and social development. He noted that the bridge saves time when crossing the Jur River, connects communities on both sides, creates employment opportunities, and injects new vitality into the local economy. This project exemplifies the tangible benefits of China’s involvement in South Sudan’s infrastructure development, contributing to the broader economic integration of the country.
In a similarly transformative development, South Sudan is set to reclaim control of its sovereign airspace following the completion of the China-aided Air Traffic Management System (ATMS). South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit announced earlier this year that South Sudan is close to taking full control of its airspace from neighboring Sudan, a significant step in the nation’s assertion of sovereignty. The ATMS project, constructed by China Harbor Engineering Company, was recently completed and is now ready for commissioning.
The ATMS project includes the construction of the Juba ATMS center, a new air traffic control tower, a surveillance and communication system, and supporting civil engineering facilities. It also involves comprehensive training for South Sudanese technicians, preparing them to manage the country’s airspace independently. President Kiir emphasized that reclaiming control of the airspace will enable South Sudan to register airlines and collect fees, marking a crucial step towards greater economic self-sufficiency.
These infrastructure projects are part of a broader framework of cooperation under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative. Additionally, there are around 100 Chinese enterprises registered in South Sudan, involved in diverse fields such as petroleum, airport construction, housing, communication and retail, contributing to the country’s development.
Despite recent challenges, such as fluctuations in oil trade, the partnership remains strong, with significant investments in key sectors. In 2023, bilateral trade between China and South Sudan saw China importing $354.34 million worth of goods from South Sudan and exporting $160.79 million in return. These figures underscore China’s continued role as a crucial partner in South Sudan’s economic landscape.
Chinese-aided projects have been a cornerstone of China-South Sudan cooperation. From the Kiir Mayardit Women’s Hospital to the South Juba Teaching Hospital expansion and the Juba International Airport upgrade, these initiatives have had a profound impact on South Sudan’s infrastructure and public welfare. The recently completed Clement Mboro Bridge and the ATMS projects further illustrate China’s commitment to supporting South Sudan’s development.
As President Kiir attends the 2024 FOCAC Summit in Beijing, which begins on September 4, these projects serve as a testament to the enduring partnership between China and South Sudan. The summit presents an opportunity to reinforce this cooperation, particularly in infrastructure development, which is vital for South Sudan’s journey towards peace, stability and prosperity.