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South Sudan’s army has moved into Sudan’s Heglig oilfield under a rare agreement with Sudan’s warring factions to shield the region’s most vital energy hub from escalating conflict. The deployment follows the capture of the site by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a deadly drone strike, and the retreat of Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) troops who crossed into South Sudan and surrendered their weapons. Under a tripartite deal involving leaders from Juba, the SAF, and the RSF, both Sudanese forces must withdraw as South Sudan maintains strict neutrality to prevent sabotage. With Heglig processing up to 130,000 barrels of crude daily, its protection is crucial as fighting spreads across Kordofan, triggering new displacement and humanitarian fears. This fragile arrangement highlights the complex interdependencies and desperate measures shaping the conflict’s next phase.
Aljazeera