News|Sudan warSouth Sudan army to secure critical Heglig oilfield in Sudan war spilloverThe move follows RSF capture and deadly drone attack on Sudan’s largest energy facility.
South Sudan's military has been deployed to the Heglig oilfield under an agreement with Sudan to protect critical energy infrastructure amid ongoing hostilities. This deployment follows the capture of the site by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on…
South Sudan's military has been deployed to the Heglig oilfield under an agreement with Sudan to protect critical energy infrastructure amid ongoing hostilities. This deployment follows the capture of the site by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on December 8, prompting a retreat of Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) into South Sudan.
The agreement aims to ensure the neutrality of the facility amidst escalating conflict in Sudan's Kordofan region. The arrangement is designed to prevent disruptions to vital revenue streams for both nations and was facilitated through high-level discussions between Sudanese and South Sudanese leaders. Tribal leaders also contributed to the evacuation of workers and the prevention of further military engagements.
The deployment is supported by an existing oil and security cooperation treaty between Khartoum and Juba, which mandates the protection of oil fields and infrastructure, along with enhancing cooperation in the energy sector. The RSF's involvement is a new development in this context.
South Sudan People's Defence Forces Chief of Staff Paul Nang confirmed the deployment under a "tripartite agreement" involving key leaders from both countries and the RSF. The agreement stipulates the withdrawal of Sudanese forces from the area, with South Sudanese forces maintaining a neutral stance.
South Sudan's military has been deployed to the Heglig oilfield under an agreement with Sudan to protect critical energy infrastructure amid ongoing hostilities.
Following a drone attack by SAF on RSF positions, resulting in casualties, approximately 3,900 Sudanese soldiers relocated to South Sudan, surrendering heavy equipment to local authorities. This movement has also caused civilian displacement.
Heglig hosts a central processing facility with a capacity of 130,000 barrels per day, primarily handling South Sudanese crude for export via Sudanese pipelines. It includes Block 6, Sudan's largest oil field.
The RSF's capture of Heglig shifts the conflict's focus to the Kordofan region, previously concentrated in Darfur. This development has raised concerns of potential mass atrocities similar to those in el-Fasher.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant civilian displacement and humanitarian challenges, with reports of overcrowding and disease outbreaks exacerbating the crisis.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
