Summary
South Sudan's military entered the Heglig oilfield to protect it under a deal with Sudan's warring groups. This move follows the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) taking control of the area, making the Sudanese army retreat. The agreement aims to keep the oilfield from being caught up in fighting.
Key Facts
- South Sudan forces entered the Heglig oilfield to safeguard it amid Sudan's civil war.
- The Rapid Support Forces captured the site on December 8, causing Sudanese forces to retreat.
- A tripartite agreement involving South Sudan, Sudanese Armed Forces, and RSF was made to protect the oilfield.
- Approximately 3,900 Sudanese soldiers surrendered their weapons to South Sudanese authorities.
- Heglig can process up to 130,000 barrels of oil per day, a vital part of the economy for both countries.
- South Sudan and Sudan previously signed an oil and security cooperation agreement to protect their energy infrastructure.
- A recent drone attack killed several, including South Sudanese soldiers, at the oilfield.
- The conflict's main area has shifted from Darfur to the Kordofan region in Sudan.
