The Take What does RSF capture of Heglig oilfield mean for Sudan’s war?
Dec 15, 2025
Hiba Morgan, an Al Jazeera correspondent who has extensively reported on the Sudanese conflict, delves into the critical capture of the Heglig oilfield by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). She explains the strategic significance of Heglig and how it impacts the ongoing war, highlighting RSF's ability to disrupt oil flows. Hiba contrasts the RSF's gold financing with their coercive leverage over resources and discusses public sentiments regarding resource mismanagement. The conversation also touches on the bleak living conditions in Khartoum amidst this turmoil.
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Heglig Is A Strategic Revenue Hub
- The Heglig oilfield is Sudan's largest and processes South Sudanese oil for export.
- RSF control threatens both Sudan's and South Sudan's key revenue streams and regional stability.
Control Without Production Still Gives Leverage
- RSF cannot operate the processing facilities but can disrupt oil flow and coerce neighbors.
- That gives them leverage to harm Sudan and South Sudan economically without running production.
Gold Plus Oil Amplifies RSF Power
- RSF's gold revenues already funded its expansion and foreign backing.
- Holding Heglig adds coercive power over South Sudan and better border access for weapons and logistics.