Author: Obaj Okuj | Published: 48 minutes ago
Minister of Information Ateny Wek Ateny addresses reporters at a press briefing in Juba (Thursday, December 11, 2025). Credit: Eye Radio/Obaj Okuj
JUBA, South Sudan (Eye Radio) — The Minister of Information and Government Spokesperson, Ateny Wek Ateny, has assured the public that oil installations in the vital Heglig area, also known as Panthou, remain safe and fully operational despite recent clashes between Sudan’s warring forces.
Speaking at a press briefing in Juba on Thursday, December 11, Minister Ateny confirmed the government has received no reports of structural damage to the facilities and that oil production continues normally.
He dismissed claims circulating on social media about destroyed oil wells as “unverified and misleading. “The oil production is still ongoing, and is going well. We have no report of any major damage that could have halted the production of the oil,” Ateny said.
The Minister added that current assessments from engineers and South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) units on the ground have not recorded any structural harm.
He explained that any observed civilian flight from the area, including oil field workers, is a normal reaction to heavy firing, not evidence of damaged infrastructure.
Minister Ateny also disclosed that President Salva Kiir has been in direct communication with General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to demand a stop to the fighting.
The President is specifically urging Sudanese leaders to avoid clashes near the oil installations, warning that neither side has the capacity to contain a major fire should oil wells be hit.
“The President of the Republic of South Sudan wanted all these parties, all the parties involved in Sudan, to ensure that they are not fighting along the oil fields. They have to leave the oil fields,” he stated.
The Minister concluded by urging border communities to remain calm, confirming the situation is under control. He noted that the SSPDF now holds primary responsibility for securing the area under a newly reached tripartite agreement between the forces.
