The Government of South Sudan has taken full control of the disputed Heglig oil field—known locally as Panthou—after intensified fighting between Sudan’s Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) forced Sudanese troops to withdraw from the area.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services, Minister Hon. Ateny Wek Ateny said the SAF’s 90-22 Brigade made a tactical retreat through Babonusa into Panakuach, Unity State, where they surrendered their infantry weapons to the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).
Hon. Ateny announced that a tripartite arrangement has been reached between the SSPDF, SAF, and RSF allowing South Sudan to temporarily assume primary security responsibility over the Heglig oil field amid worsening insecurity and continued clashes inside Sudan.
“We commend His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit for his swift intervention to de-escalate tensions and prevent further violence along our shared border,” he said.
The minister reiterated South Sudan’s commitment to peace and diplomatic engagement, urging both SAF and RSF to cease hostilities and embrace regional and international mediation efforts aimed at ending the Sudan conflict.
Hon. Ateny also raised alarm over the humanitarian fallout, noting that renewed fighting has displaced thousands and pushed more refugees into South Sudan. He said security institutions have launched assessments and deployed response measures to safeguard border communities.
The Ministry urged the public to remain calm, avoid speculation, and rely on verified official government communication as more information becomes available.
This development follows confirmation from the SSPDF on December 8 that Sudanese soldiers had handed over their weapons after retreating from the oil-rich Heglig area along the border.
