By Matik Kueth
South Sudan has taken full security control of the volatile Heglig oilfields after fighting between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) spilled across the border into Unity State, forcing SAF troops to flee into South Sudan.
The escalation prompted President Salva Kiir to step in and broker an unprecedented security arrangement between the two Sudanese rivals and the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).
Addressing a press conference in Juba on Thursday, Ateny Wek Ateny, Minister of Information, confirmed that a SAF contingent led by Brig. Tariq Mokhtar of Brigade 19, Division 22, made a “tactical withdrawal” from Bab Nusa following fierce clashes with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the adjacent oil zones of Sudan.
The fleeing SAF soldiers crossed into Panakuach, Unity State, where they immediately surrendered to the SSPDF as required under international law.
“The SAF units that entered into the Republic of South Sudan have surrendered their weapons to the SSPDF. There was no hostility. They are safe and are now being arranged to be taken back to their country,” Ateny said.
But the incident triggered a major diplomatic push by Juba as the clashes threatened to engulf the region’s most sensitive petroleum installations.
Kiir brokers security deal amid rising insecurity
According to Ateny, a tripartite security agreement was reached between the SSPDF, SAF, and RSF, effectively granting South Sudan primary security responsibility over the Heglig oilfield, a move aimed at preventing the conflict from devastating shared economic lifelines.
“The three armies agreed, and that agreement has granted the SSPDF primary security responsibility over the Heglig oilfield, amid rising insecurity in the area,” he stated.
President Kiir held urgent calls with General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), urging both parties to de-escalate fighting.
“The President talked to them on the phone so that they could de-escalate the situation. Both parties may have the power to destroy the oil fields, but they do not have the power to stop the blaze once the oil fields are inflamed,” he noted.
In response, RSF forces reportedly withdrew north of Heglig, enabling the SSPDF to take full security control of the area.
The minister also revealed that a drone of unknown origin struck SSPDF positions near the oilfield, killing seven soldiers, one of whom was burned beyond recognition.
“We have not up to this point known the source of the drone that killed our men. Seven of them lost their lives,” he stressed.
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He further appealed to in the border with Sudan including, Panakuach of Guit County and Ruweng Administrative Area to remain calm as both Sudanese parties reportedly pledged not to fight inside the oil installations.
Heglig’s violent history
The Heglig oilfields, claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan, have been the site of recurrent conflict:
In 2012, Sudan bombed parts of Unity State after fighting erupted between the militaries, and South Sudan briefly captured Heglig before withdrawing under international pressure.
The conflict damaged key oil infrastructure, causing a sharp drop in production of oil, Juba and Khartoum later signed security agreements guaranteeing non-militarization of border oilfields, though fighting in Sudan has raised new risks.
Meanwhile, from 2023–2025, the SAF-RSF conflict repeatedly threatened oil transit routes, prompting South Sudan to intensify diplomacy aimed at protecting its economy.
Since the conflict reignited in Sudan, South Sudan has positioned itself as a mediator, hosting talks, facilitating humanitarian corridors, and urging restraint near shared oil infrastructure.
President Kiir has repeatedly emphasized that oilfields must remain “off-limits” to military confrontation.
A fragile calm under SSPDF watch
With the new tripartite arrangement, South Sudan’s army now becomes the central stabilizing force in one of the region’s most contested oil zones.
Though Ateny reaffirmed the government’s commitment to stability, the next few days will determine whether the SAF-RSF conflict keeps its promise not to battle around Heglig.
“The government of the Republic of South Sudan regrets these new hostilities and urges both sides to respect the agreement reached,” he said.