(UNITY STATE) – The Rapid Support Forces have taken control of the Heglig oil area in West Kordofan State, pushing the conflict in Sudan closer to South Sudan’s vital oil lifeline. Heglig is a key oil hub which supports crude exports from South Sudan through Sudan to Port Sudan.
Videos shared by media organisations on Monday showed RSF fighters inside the headquarters of the Sudanese army’s 90th Infantry Brigade in Heglig. The RSF recently took control of the 22nd Infantry Division base in Babanusa after a long siege. There has not yet been a public response from the Sudanese Armed Forces on the direction of their withdrawal.
The location of Heglig near Unity State is important for South Sudan, which depends on pipelines that cross Sudan for almost all export revenue. Any disruption to operations could put more pressure on South Sudan’s already fragile economy.
The RSF issued a statement saying their forces entered Heglig after army units retreated. The group called the takeover an important milestone because of the economic importance of the oil region. They also said they would protect oil workers and keep crude moving to South Sudan.
They said they want to safeguard the interests of what they called the sisterly Republic of South Sudan. The RSF added that they would continue what they call a humanitarian truce but would defend themselves if attacked.
South Sudanese officials have not made detailed comments on the incident as they continue to gather information. Business observers in Juba say they are monitoring how this situation may affect oil transit agreements that generate most of the country’s income.
The fall of Heglig comes after several major setbacks for the Sudanese army in recent weeks. The collapse of Division 22 in Babanusa was followed by RSF gains in West Kordofan. Fighting has now pushed closer to the pipeline routes that are central to export capacity.
Any extended pause in oil movement would likely impact South Sudan public finances, salaries, and development plans.
Companies operating in the energy sector say safety and secure access to Heglig will be essential to avoid interruptions in the movement of crude. Talks are expected among authorities, field managers and regional partners to help protect vital assets.
Observers say South Sudan’s economic stability will depend heavily on how quickly control and order are restored around the oil infrastructure along the shared border.
Heglig Oil Situation – Summary
| Key Point | Details | Business and Economic Impact for South Sudan |
|---|---|---|
| Who took control of Heglig | Rapid Support Forces (RSF) | Raises uncertainty about stability in major oil transit zone |
| Previous control | Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) | Loss reflects weakening army presence along border |
| Strategic importance | Main oil hub for both Sudan and South Sudan | South Sudan depends on pipelines through Sudan for almost all exports |
| Economic reliance | Oil is dominant source of revenue | Government budget, salaries and services could face pressure if disrupted |
| RSF assurances | Claimed they will protect oil workers and flows to South Sudan | Yet operational risks remain because of the conflict |
| Government response | South Sudan still collecting information | Delay in clarity may affect investor confidence |
| Broader conflict context | RSF advances across West Kordofan including Babanusa | Shows conflict moving closer to South Sudan border and infrastructure |
| Risk outlook | High | Any interruption could reduce revenues and delay national projects |
