South Sudan announced Thursday it had secured a key oil field in Sudan after Rapid Support Forces seized the site near the border.
The Heglig oil field, located in Kordofan, has become the epicentre of Sudan’s civil war after the RSF took Darfur in October.
The RSF, in conflict with General Abdel Fattah al Burhan’s army since April 2023, claimed the strategic area after saying the SAF had fled the region.
South Sudan later clarified the Sudanese troops had surrendered, handing primary security responsibility over the field to Juba’s forces.
Information Minister Ateny Wek Ateny said a tripartite agreement was reached between South Sudan, Burhan’s army, and the RSF to secure Heglig.
The agreement aims to prevent further fighting, protect the oil field, and ensure production continues without major disruption, Ateny added.
Heglig houses the main processing facility for South Sudanese oil destined for international export, making it economically vital for the young nation.
Ateny confirmed 1,650 non-commissioned officers and 60 officers who surrendered to South Sudanese forces earlier this week were safe and being repatriated.
