Petroleum Ministry Sees Rapid Reshuffle

(JUBA) –  President Salva Kiir has removed Eng. Chol Thon Abel from his role as Undersecretary in the Ministry of Petroleum just one week after his appointment.

The state broadcaster South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) announced the change on Monday evening without providing any explanation.

Eng. Deng Lual Wol previously held the position before being removed last week, but has been reinstated. In a separate decree, Chol Thon Abel has been reassigned as Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation.

The Ministry of Petroleum is one of the most sensitive portfolios in South Sudan’s transitional government, which was formed under the 2018 peace agreement.

The ministry is allocated to the SPLM-IO political group led by First Vice President Riek Machar. Machar, however, is currently suspended and facing treason charges in Juba along with several co-accused.

Control of the petroleum ministry is strategically important as oil is the main source of government revenue. Leadership changes have been frequent, often reflecting political negotiations and shifting alliances rather than long term planning.

Eng. Deng Lual brings more than 16 years of experience in oil infrastructure, including work on refineries, pipelines and storage facilities.

Before his reinstatement, he publicly warned that Sudan had cautioned South Sudan over drone attacks by the Rapid Support Forces on oil facilities in Sudan. Khartoum reportedly indicated that continued attacks could disrupt South Sudan’s crude exports to Port Sudan.

Oil exports through Sudan remain critical for South Sudan’s economy. The country pays transit fees and tariffs to Sudan for pipelines and port services. Any disruption could immediately affect government salaries and public services.

Eng. Chol Thon Abel has a long career in public service. He previously served as Managing Director of Nile Petroleum Corporation (Nilepet) and has held senior roles in the petroleum ministry. He holds a doctorate in Water Supply Engineering from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands.

Policy analyst James Boboya Edmund commented that the rapid leadership changes reflect competition for influence. He noted that frequent shifts without explanation can hinder decision making and management, making investors more cautious. He added that these changes complicate responses to pipeline security, production challenges, and negotiations with Sudan.

Oil continues to be the backbone of South Sudan’s economy, despite challenges from ageing fields, damaged infrastructure and regional instability.

The latest reshuffle comes at a time of financial pressure, international scrutiny and domestic political tension.

Stability in the petroleum ministry is crucial for planning, investment and maintaining the infrastructure that ensures oil continues to flow.

National elections have been delayed twice, and the transitional government faces ongoing questions about governance, unity and institutional stability.