South Sudan has resumed oil production at the Thar Jath field in Unity state, celebrating the event on Saturday with a visit to the field by the national oil minister.

Traditional Nuer dancers, oil workers and government officials celebrated the opening of the Thar Jath oilfield on Saturday, including the Deputy Governor of Unity State Michael Chiengjiek Geay and Minister of Petroleum Stephen Dhieu Dau

"The oil is now flowing," said Dau. "This is a sign of peace. This is a commitment, this is a translation of the commitment of the government of the Repubic of South Sudan to live in peace with the Republic of Sudan,” said Dau.

Emi Suhardi Mohd Fadzil represented Sudd Petroleum Operating Company, the operator of the Block 5A concession covering much of the west bank of the Nile in Unity State and part of Zeraf Island on the east bank.

The Malaysian-owned company expects production to reach 5000 barrels per day.

South Sudan previously exported 350,000 barrels a day through Sudan before shutting down production in January 2012 ahead of a brief border war with their northern neighbor in April. Officials expect it will take some months for production to reach the previous level.