Block 5A, South Sudan

Block 5A is an oil exploration zone in Unity State that stretches across a vast floodplain region containing multiple oil fields. Substantial petroleum reserves lie beneath the surface, particularly within the Tharjiath field.

Oil field development began during the Second Sudanese Civil War in the 1990s, triggering armed conflicts as different groups fought for control over the resources. This turbulent period shaped the early phase of exploration and operations.

The Nuer people living here practice pastoral herding and move their livestock seasonally between grazing areas as water availability changes throughout the year. These movements remain central to how communities organize their daily lives.

The area is a floodplain region affected by seasonal inundation, making it accessible only during certain months of the year. Visitors should expect basic infrastructure and check local conditions before traveling to the zone.

Construction of oil extraction roads has altered the natural drainage patterns of the Nile wetlands and reshaped water flow across the region. This physical transformation remains visible when comparing satellite images from different years.