South Sudan has deployed its military to the Heglig oilfield under a rare agreement involving Sudan’s warring factions. The move aims to protect one of the region’s most important energy sites as the civil war in Sudan continues to expand.
The deployment followed the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) capture of Heglig on December 8, which forced Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) units to retreat into South Sudan and surrender their weapons. Both sides reached an understanding to avoid confrontation at the oilfield and ensure workers were safely evacuated.
Heglig plays a crucial role in the economies of both countries, with a processing facility capable of handling up to 130,000 barrels of South Sudanese crude per day.
A Neutral Buffer to Protect Oil Infrastructure
South Sudan’s army chief Paul Nang said the troops entered Heglig under a “tripartite agreement” involving President Salva Kiir, SAF leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti). Under the deal, SAF and RSF must withdraw from the area so it remains neutral and protected from fighting.
Nang emphasized that South Sudan will stay neutral and focus solely on safeguarding the oilfield, which he described as an economic lifeline for both nations.
The deployment came shortly after a deadly drone strike killed dozens of people, including three South Sudanese soldiers. SAF confirmed it used a drone to target RSF fighters, though full casualty figures remain unclear.
More than 3,900 Sudanese soldiers crossed into South Sudan after leaving Heglig, handing over tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery. Thousands of civilians have also fled across the border.
Experts say SAF prefers South Sudan to control Heglig to prevent RSF from gaining access to a valuable revenue source. RSF, meanwhile, is unable to defend the site from SAF airstrikes, making continued control difficult.
As RSF continues to advance through Kordofan, international concerns are rising. Human rights groups warn that atrocities similar to those seen in Darfur could occur again. Thousands of civilians have already been displaced as clashes intensify around Kadugli.
Medical groups report dire conditions in RSF-controlled areas, with cholera outbreaks and severe overcrowding in detention facilities. More than 19,000 detainees are being held across Darfur, including dozens of medical personnel.
The situation continues to deteriorate, and despite the new arrangement in Heglig, the broader conflict shows no signs of slowing. If you want a shorter version, an SEO-focused version, or a version with different tone, I can make it.