- Fighting between Sudan’s military and the RSF led to a devastating fire at the al-Jaili oil refinery.
- The refinery, which processes 100,000 barrels of oil per day, was set ablaze on Thursday.
- The destruction of the facility threatens Sudan’s economy and regional stability.
The al-Jaili oil refinery, Sudan’s largest, was severely damaged by fire following clashes between forces loyal to Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan’s military and the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Satellite images showed large sections of the refinery engulfed in flames, with black smoke rising into the sky.
This attack on the refinery could have devastating consequences for Sudan and South Sudan’s economies. With oil being a crucial part of the region’s economic structure, losing this refinery further compounds the difficulties both nations already face due to the ongoing civil war.
Fires Rage at Sudan’s Major Oil Refinery Amidst Ongoing Military Conflict
The conflict in Sudan has reached a critical juncture with the al-Jaili oil refinery, the largest in the country, going up in flames. The satellite data from NASA satellites confirmed that large sections of the refinery were ablaze after fighting intensified between Sudan’s military and the RSF. The facility had been under the RSF’s control since April 2023, but the military claimed it had seized it back after the fire erupted.
The destruction of the refinery, which processes 100,000 barrels of oil daily, is a heavy blow to Sudan’s oil industry. Oil production has already been affected by the division of oil resources when South Sudan seceded in 2011, taking most of the oil reserves. The impact of the refinery fire is being closely watched, as it could worsen economic hardships for both Sudan and South Sudan.
Both the Sudanese military and the RSF have leveled accusations against each other over the cause of the fire. The military claims the RSF set the blaze intentionally, while the RSF accuses Sudan’s forces of bombing the facility with barrel bombs. The dispute over the refinery highlights the continued escalation of violence and the strategic importance of key infrastructure in the civil war.
The international community has been alarmed by the attack on the refinery. The United Nations has urged all parties involved to refrain from further actions that could have disastrous consequences for the region. With both countries relying heavily on oil revenue, the destruction of such vital infrastructure poses a long-term threat to stability in Sudan and South Sudan.
The destruction of Sudan’s largest oil refinery serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact the civil war is having on both the economy and environment of the region.
“The secretary-general urges the parties to refrain from all actions that could have dangerous consequences for Sudan and the region, including serious economic and environmental implications.”
