Heglig’s vital oilfields, the backbone of Sudan’s energy supply and a lifeline for state revenues, now sit under Rapid Support Forces control.
The takeover gives the RSF a powerful economic asset, enabling the group to profit from fuel flows and wield new political leverage.
The loss threatens Sudan’s domestic supply, cutting oil needed to power homes, factories, and essential services across the country.
It also strikes at export revenues that fund salaries, public needs, and military procurement, tightening pressure on an already fragile state.
South Sudan, which relies on Heglig for processing and exporting all its oil, faces its own looming shock.
Its economy, built almost entirely on oil income, risks severe disruption and further political instability.
Talks over allowing South Sudanese oil to pass through Heglig have so far produced no agreement.
Analysts warn that similar gains at Heglig are likely, with the RSF seeking financial advantage and recognition.
