Report by: Alnaeim Mubarak Kuol
The Heglig oilfield represents a strategically vital hub for South Sudan, serving as the main collection point for crude oil transported from the Unity (Unite) fields operated by GPOC, and the Targaas fields managed by SPOC, before the oil is pumped through pipelines across Sudanese territory to Port Sudan for export.
Although Heglig also includes oil wells located inside Sudan and operated by Chinese and Canadian companies, these sites have been affected by the escalating conflict in the area, prompting some companies to consider withdrawing from exploration activities.
Reasons Behind South Sudan\u2019s Efforts to Ease Tension
Juba\u2019s move to mediate between the conflicting parties aims to keep military operations away from this vital zone, as South Sudan relies almost entirely on oil revenues to fund its national budget and governmental operations.
Sudan and South Sudan had previously signed a security agreement to form a joint force tasked with protecting oilfields and pipelines from sabotage, but the agreement was never fully implemented. With recent withdrawals by Sudanese troops to avoid clashes with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), both governments now appear compelled to reactivate the security protocol.
Military leaders in South Sudan affirm the country\u2019s commitment to neutrality regarding the conflict in Sudan, while highlighting continued communication between President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Sudan\u2019s Sovereignty Council Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to ensure the protection of oil-producing areas. The current situation also requires direct coordination with RSF leaders to prevent attacks on Heglig in order to maintain uninterrupted production and exports.
The Recent Attack and Its Impact on the Oil Sector
Last month, the Heglig area was struck by drone attacks, which Khartoum attributed to the Rapid Support Forces, accusing them of targeting critical infrastructure to undermine the national economy. The attack left at least seven people dead, including an engineer, technicians, and oil security personnel. It also destroyed four key facilities: the crude oil collection center, the engineering workshop, the medical clinic, and staff housing.
The incident caused widespread panic among workers, some of whom fled to Unity State, while others were transferred to Juba or Port Sudan.
Following the attack, a delegation from South Sudan\u2019s Ministry of Petroleum, accompanied by representatives from GPOC and SPOC, visited the area to offer condolences and support to the workers. The delegation affirmed its readiness to provide technical assistance to resume production once the necessary consultations between the two governments are completed.
Future Challenges and the Path Forward
After the Rapid Support Forces took control of the area, observers stress the need for all parties to agree on isolating oil-producing zones from armed conflict. They also highlight the importance of including South Sudanese forces in securing oilfields under the existing security protocol\u2014while ensuring RSF elements remain outside operational zones.
The coming days will reveal whether the parties can reach agreements that safeguard continuous oil flow from South Sudan to Port Sudan, preventing this strategic region from becoming another battleground.
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