Story perspectives

Sudan Crisis: RSF Seizes Oilfield Amid Child Malnutrition Surge

1/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized the Heglig oilfield, intensifying their offensive as the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) ramp up drone attacks.
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reports that more than 53% of children in North Darfur are acutely malnourished.
Displacement continues, with more than 100,000 people fleeing el-Fasher since October.
In Kosti, overcrowded camps struggle to absorb thousands of new arrivals as international aid faces cuts.

History

Historical Context

South Sudan gained independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011, following decades of conflict, including two civil wars that resulted in over two million deaths. Despite independence, tensions persisted, particularly over oil-rich regions like Abyei. The ongoing humanitarian crisis worsened in 2023 as the Rapid Support Forces seized the Heglig oilfield, exacerbating displacement and malnutrition, with UNICEF reporting 53% of children in North Darfur acutely malnourished.

1 of 2

Story summary

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized the Heglig oilfield, intensifying their offensive as the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) ramp up drone attacks.
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reports that more than 53% of children in North Darfur are acutely malnourished.
Displacement continues, with more than 100,000 people fleeing el-Fasher since October.
In Kosti, overcrowded camps struggle to absorb thousands of new arrivals as international aid faces cuts.

1 / 2