RSF seizes key Heglig oilfield as it pushes to expand control in Sudan

Heglig is Sudan’s largest oil field and also the main processing facility for neighbouring South Sudan’s oil exports.Published On 8 Dec 2025The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) says it has seized control of the strategic Heglig oilfield in Sudan’s South Kordofan province.The claim early on Monday was supported later by a statement issued by the military government’s Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) saying it had withdrawn from the area. The takeover comes as the RSF, embroiled in a two-and-a-half-year conflict with the SAF, pushes to expand eastwards and southwards from the western Darfur region, over which it took full control last month.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Drone strike on Sudan preschool by RSF and ally kills dozens of childrenlist 2 of 4Sudan must expel foreign-backed fighters, justice minister tells Al Jazeeralist 3 of 4UN faces ‘brutal choices’ as it launches 2026 aid appeallist 4 of 4Sudan group accuses RSF of raping 19 women who fled el-Fasherend of listYoussef Alian, the head of the RSF-affiliated “civil administration” in the where the oilfield is situated, asserted in a statement that the takeover happened under his coordination.He said that he had helped “prepare a special, qualified and trained force … to secure the Heglig field and protect oil installations from any acts of sabotage or threats that may affect their safety”.The Heglig field is the Sudan’s largest, and also the main processing facility for neighbouring South Sudan’s oil exports.Fighting for resourcesThe RSF has been mobilising troops to take more areas in the south and central parts of Sudan.It has made inroads from Darfur eastwards and to the south.It was battling last week for control of the West Kordofan town of Babnusa, viewed as a gateway to Darfur.The eastwards push into the giant Kordofan region offers a potential route towards the Sudanese capital of Khartoum, from which the SAF pushed its paramilitary rival earlier this year.The RSF push would also potentially offer significant funding opportunities, with central Sudan being a major agricultural centre.