(UNITY STATE, PANTHOU AREA) – South Sudan has assumed temporary security control of the Heglig oil field, locally known as Panthou, following the withdrawal of Sudanese forces amid escalating conflict inside Sudan. Government officials said the move is aimed at protecting oil infrastructure and maintaining stability along the sensitive border area.
The development follows fighting between the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, which has intensified in parts of Sudan close to the South Sudan border. Officials said the insecurity forced Sudanese troops stationed around Heglig to retreat back into Sudan.
The Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services said soldiers from the Sudan Armed Forces 90 22 Brigade crossed through Babonusa into Panakuach in Unity State, where they surrendered their infantry weapons to the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces. According to the ministry, the withdrawal was carried out under pressure from ongoing clashes inside Sudan.
Information Minister Ateny Wek Ateny said the handover followed a tripartite understanding between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces, the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. Under this arrangement, South Sudan has taken on the main security responsibility for the Heglig oil field for the time being.
Ateny said the decision was taken to stabilise the border area and safeguard oil facilities that are vital to the economies of both South Sudan and Sudan. Oil revenue remains a major source of income for South Sudan, and disruptions at Heglig could have wider economic effects.
The minister said President Salva Kiir acted quickly to prevent the fighting in Sudan from spreading into South Sudan. He added that the government remains committed to diplomatic engagement and continues to urge the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to end hostilities and take part in regional and international peace efforts.
Ateny also warned that the humanitarian situation along the border is worsening as civilians flee the violence in Sudan and seek safety in South Sudan. Government agencies, together with security institutions, have begun assessments in border areas to support displaced families and protect host communities.
The Ministry of Information urged the public to remain calm and rely on official statements for accurate information. It cautioned against the spread of unverified reports on social media, noting that misinformation could increase tension in already fragile areas.
The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces confirmed earlier this month that Sudanese troops handed over their weapons after leaving the Heglig region. The oil field lies in a strategically important border zone and is among the most valuable oil producing areas shared by the two countries.
The government has not indicated how long South Sudan will maintain security control of Heglig. Officials said the current arrangement is temporary and intended to remain in place until stability improves inside Sudan.
The current security arrangement at the Heglig oil field is outlined below:
| Party | Current position in Heglig |
|---|---|
| South Sudan People’s Defence Forces | Main security responsibility |
| Sudan Armed Forces | Retreated and surrendered weapons |
| Rapid Support Forces | Party to temporary security arrangement |
This article is reproduced with permission from Jakony Media Agency (Jakony.com), South Sudan’s largest business news portal.
