(HEGLIG, UNITY STATE BORDER REGION) – The Rapid Support Forces say they have captured the Heglig oil fields from the Sudanese Armed Forces, raising fresh concern over the stability of crude exports that pass through Sudan from South Sudan.
An engineer working at the facility said RSF personnel arrived on Monday, removed technical staff from the site and forced a suspension of all operations. Workers who remained were evacuated shortly after the takeover. Production at the field is now reported to be completely shut down.
The latest development follows months of fighting around the area, including several drone strikes, ground clashes and repeated disruptions that had already caused temporary shutdowns at the facility. Heglig is Sudan’s largest oil field and a strategic asset for the country’s energy sector.
The site is also central to the export pathway used by South Sudan, which relies on the pipeline through Sudan to transport its crude to international markets. Any extended closure risks affecting transit volumes, and therefore the revenue earned from oil exports. Oil remains South Sudan’s main source of foreign income.
The Sudan Ministry of Energy has not yet issued a statement on the claim, and there has been no independent confirmation of the situation on the ground. The status of security forces in the area also remains unclear.
South Sudan continues to monitor developments closely because its economic position depends heavily on uninterrupted export flows. Any disruption could reduce pipeline fees and affect government income.
Further updates are expected once official statements are released or verification becomes possible. South Sudanese officials and industry stakeholders are watching the matter with concern due to its potential impact on national revenue and the wider regional oil economy.
Claim Over Heglig Raises Economic Worries for South Sudan
| Key Issue | Summary |
|---|---|
| Location | Heglig oil fields, on the Sudan and Unity State border region |
| Claim | RSF says it has captured the Heglig oil facilities from SAF |
| Operational Status | Production shut down, staff evacuated |
| Source | Engineer at the site confirmed RSF arrival on Monday |
| Recent Context | Months of drone strikes, clashes and repeated shutdowns |
| Importance to Sudan | Heglig is Sudan’s largest oil field and major energy source |
| Importance to South Sudan | Key export route for South Sudan crude through Sudan pipeline |
| Economic Risk | Possible reduction in export flow and revenue for South Sudan |
| Official Response | Sudan Energy Ministry has not yet issued a statement |
| Verification | Independent confirmation still pending |
| Current Exchange Rate | 1 USD = 7,100 SSP |
