Efforts are underway to resume oil production at the Heglig oilfield, as South Sudanese authorities push for operations to restart swiftly, according to engineers at the site.

The development follows last week’s containment of tensions between South Sudan’s People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which had briefly disrupted operations due to a dispute over protection responsibilities at the facility.

On December 10, South Sudan deployed troops to the strategically important Heglig oilfield under a tripartite agreement with Sudanese parties, aimed at safeguarding the site amid escalating conflict in Sudan’s Kordofan region. The deployment came after the RSF seized Heglig two days earlier, forcing Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) units to retreat across the border, reportedly surrendering their weapons. Oil production was halted following the takeover.

The agreement seeks to keep the oilfield free from active combat, protecting a vital source of revenue for both countries. Heglig, located along the Sudan–South Sudan border, contains key production wells, processing facilities, and connects to the 1,600-kilometer pipeline transporting South Sudanese crude from the Unity oilfields to Port Sudan.

Several Sudanese engineers said that technical teams have already returned to the site to begin preparations for restarting production. “Some of us are already here in Heglig. We came from Juba, where we were on standby. A committee has been formed to oversee resumption of oil production,” one engineer said.

Security measures have been bolstered, with the SSPDF deploying significant numbers of troops to protect the oilfield and its workers. However, the RSF has not fully withdrawn, maintaining positions at certain points within the site. “Workers have requested the RSF to leave completely, but they refused. Despite this, preparations for production have begun, and the security situation is generally calm,” said another engineer.

A third engineer noted that a power station at the facility was restarted on Saturday, marking the first step toward full operations. “We thank the forces providing protection and the engineers working hard to ensure oil production resumes for the benefit of both Sudan and South Sudan,” he added.

It remains unclear whether the current agreement provides the RSF with a share of oil revenues, though negotiations on the broader framework are ongoing.