Author: Obaj Okuj | Published: 12 hours ago
A Sudanese military jeep mounted with an anti-aircraft machine gun, part of the equipment handed over to SSPDF by SAF personnel after crossing into South Sudan via Panakuach – Unity State – Courtesy of SSPDF
JUBA, South Sudan (Eye Radio) — Over 1,700 Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) troops have retreated into Unity State following pressure from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) near the Heglig oil fields, the Government Spokesperson announced.
Minister of Information, Communication, and Technology, Ateny Wek Ateny, stated in a press briefing on Thursday, December 11, that a total of 1,710 Sudanese personnel withdrew into the Panakuach area of Unity State.
The group included 1,650 non-commissioned officers and 60 officers, led by Brigadier Tariq Mokhtar of SAF’s Division 22, after they were overrun by RSF forces.
Upon entry, the Sudanese troops surrendered their weapons to the South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF), fulfilling requirements under international law.
“The SAF units that entered into the Republic of South Sudan as required by international law to surrender their weapons to the SSPDF… The forces that entered into South Sudan are safe. And they are now being arranged to be taken back to their country.” — Ateny stated.
This dramatic development prompted the immediate establishment of a tripartite security agreement between the SSPDF, the SAF, and the RSF.
Minister Ateny confirmed that under this deal, South Sudan’s army has taken over full responsibility for securing the Heglig oil zone. Under the terms of the agreement, RSF fighters have withdrawn north of Heglig, allowing SSPDF units to now secure the oil fields and nearby border areas.
He stated that President Salva Kiir personally intervened, holding direct phone calls with Sudanese Military leaders, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF’s General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, urging them to de-escalate and prevent fighting around the critical oil infrastructure.
