(UNITY STATE) – Engineers at the Heglig oilfields successfully restarted operations on Saturday, December 27, ending a weeks-long shutdown that had disrupted regional production and threatened the economic stability of both Sudan and South Sudan.
The closure followed reports earlier this month that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had seized control of the fields, forcing an immediate halt to operations.
The standoff was resolved following a security agreement reached on December 11, 2025, between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), and the RSF to jointly secure the area.
Engineers confirmed that the restart began with the successful reactivation of the central power station, which is essential for powering pumps and processing units needed to move crude oil through pipelines.
An engineer at the site described the atmosphere as one of relief. “Today we opened the power station successfully, which is a strong start. Hopefully, the oil flows back again, and its benefits return to both countries,” he said.
The Heglig fields are vital for the economies of Sudan and South Sudan. The recent shutdown raised concerns over revenue loss and the condition of the pipeline infrastructure. With the new tripartite security arrangement, technical teams are working to restore production to pre-disruption levels.
Officials hope continued cooperation between the SSPDF, SAF, and RSF will provide the stability needed to keep oil flowing without further interruption.
The deployment of South Sudanese troops to the Heglig oilfield on December 10 followed the RSF’s capture of the site two days earlier, which forced SAF units to retreat across the border. Oil production had been suspended after the takeover.
The tripartite agreement aims to protect the oilfield from active combat and safeguard a critical revenue source for both countries. Heglig, on the Sudan–South Sudan border, hosts key infrastructure, including production wells, processing facilities, and the 1,600-kilometre pipeline carrying South Sudanese crude oil from the Unity oilfields to Port Sudan.
Several Sudanese engineers told media that technical teams have been redeployed to begin preparations for resuming production. “Some of us are already in Heglig. We came from Juba, where we were on standby. A committee has been formed to restart oil production,” said one engineer, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Another engineer confirmed that SSPDF troops are deployed at the oilfield to protect both workers and facilities. However, the RSF has not fully withdrawn and still maintains a presence at certain points.
“There have been requests for the RSF to withdraw completely, but they refused. Despite this, preparations have begun, and the security situation is generally calm,” he added.
A third engineer noted the successful restart of the power station as a first step in resuming production. “We thank the forces providing protection and the engineers working hard to ensure oil production resumes for the benefit of both Sudan and South Sudan,” he said.
It remains unclear whether the agreement includes any provisions for the RSF to receive a share of oil revenues.
Heglig Oilfield Restart Key Points
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Heglig, Sudan–South Sudan border |
| Shutdown Duration | Several weeks |
| Restart Date | Saturday, December 27, 2025 |
| Cause of Shutdown | RSF seizure of oilfield |
| Security Arrangement | Tripartite deal: SSPDF, SAF, RSF |
| Key Technical Action | Central power station reactivated |
| Economic Impact | Oil revenue for Sudan and South Sudan threatened |
| Pipeline Info | 1,600 km transporting South Sudanese crude oil to Port Sudan |
| Current Security Status | RSF maintains partial presence; overall situation calm |
| Next Steps | Technical teams to restore production to pre-shutdown levels |