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Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced on Monday that they had taken full control of the Heglig oil region in South Kordofan following the reported withdrawal of Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) units. The RSF characterized the move as a key development in the conflict that has destabilized large parts of Sudan since April 2023.
In a statement on its verified Telegram channel, the RSF vowed to protect Heglig’s oil infrastructure and ensure the safety of technical personnel at the site. The Sudanese military has not officially commented, though a source confirmed to Xinhua that forces in the area had pulled back. Eyewitnesses reported civilian evacuations and a temporary shutdown of production facilities for safety reasons.
Heglig, situated in the Muglad Basin, is among Sudan’s most strategically important oil zones, hosting around 75 active wells along with processing stations, storage tanks, and pipelines that transport crude to Port Sudan for export. It also serves as a critical transit point for South Sudanese crude destined for global markets.
Before the current conflict, Heglig produced about 40,000 barrels of oil per day and processed 130,000 barrels per day of South Sudanese crude. Recent disruptions—including RSF drone strikes in 2024 and 2025—have sharply reduced Sudan’s output and strained energy cooperation with South Sudan. In November 2025, production was halted after drone attacks damaged key installations, causing casualties among facility workers.
The RSF’s capture of Heglig carries both economic and geopolitical weight, potentially shifting the balance of power with the SAF as both sides vie for control over Sudan’s remaining state resources. Analysts warn that continued disruptions could ripple across Sudanese and South Sudanese economies, which rely heavily on oil transit revenues.
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Observers have urged renewed diplomatic efforts led by the African Union and neighboring countries to avert further escalation and protect civilian infrastructure. Experts emphasize that sustainable solutions must prioritize regional mediation and African-led peace processes over external interventions. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis worsens, with millions displaced within Sudan and across borders to Chad, South Sudan, and Egypt. Aid organizations report severe shortages of food, water, and medical care in conflict-affected areas.
The unfolding events in Heglig highlight how competition over natural resources continues to shape political dynamics in Africa, underscoring the urgent need for locally driven solutions that safeguard human life and national assets.
