Strategic Alliances: South Sudan Secures Key Oil Field Amidst Conflict

South Sudan has deployed troops to the Heglig oil field in Sudan to secure the area controlled by the RSF. Heglig is crucial for both South Sudan's and Sudan's economies. The deployment was agreed upon by leaders from South Sudan and Sudan to safeguard this vital oil facility amidst ongoing conflict.

In a strategic move to safeguard vital economic interests, South Sudan has stationed its troops at the Heglig oil field in neighbouring Sudan. This decision follows the recent takeover of the site by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a move that has significant implications for both nations' economies due to Heglig's strategic importance in processing and transporting oil.

The withdrawal of Sudanese government forces and workers from Heglig was motivated by concerns over potential damage amid escalating conflicts. South Sudan's Chief of Defence Forces, General Paul Nang, confirmed that the troop deployment is the result of an agreement between South Sudan's President Salva Kiir, Sudan's Army Chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and RSF head Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.

The Heglig oil field, critical for oil transportation via the Greater Nile pipeline system to Port Sudan, thus remains operational under South Sudanese protection. This site not only contributes significantly to South Sudan's revenue but also ensures critical foreign exchange earnings for Sudan, underscoring the need for its protection amid the ongoing war between the Sudanese army and RSF.

(With inputs from agencies.)