President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Tuesday evening issued a series of sweeping presidential decrees announcing major changes across key government institutions. The decrees, broadcast live on the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), come at a moment of intense public scrutiny over corruption allegations and administrative misconduct in the Ministry of Petroleum and associated state bodies.
The reshuffle follows weeks of turmoil marked by arrests, investigations, and the dramatic downfall of senior officials linked to the network of former Second Vice President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, who remains under house arrest in Juba.
Undersecretary Eng. Deng Lual Wol Dismissed
One of the most significant changes is the dismissal of Eng. Deng Lual Wol as Undersecretary in the Ministry of Petroleum. His removal comes after a turbulent month in which senior petroleum officials were placed under investigation over alleged involvement in unauthorized oil deals, financial irregularities, and parallel negotiations with foreign companies.
Eng. Deng Lual Wol is replaced by Dr. Chol Deng Thon Abel, who returns to the position just two weeks after being abruptly removed—having served only six days in his earlier tenure. His reinstatement is widely interpreted as a corrective move following public pressure and mounting concerns about governance failures inside the ministry.
Nilepet MD Ayuel Ngor Kacgor Removed
In another major development, Ayuel Ngor Kacgor has been relieved of his position as Managing Director of Nilepet, South Sudan’s national oil company. He is succeeded by Emmanuel Athiei Ayual, a figure many describe as a young technocrat with an impressive performance record inside the corporation.
Ayuel Ngor’s removal comes as the petroleum sector faces unprecedented scrutiny, following corruption investigations, internal audits, and the discovery of widespread misuse of public resources. Officials at Nilepet and the Ministry of Petroleum have been repeatedly implicated in allegations ranging from unauthorized oil advances to unaccounted revenue flows.
Additional Government Restructuring
The presidential decrees also announced the dismissal of Eng. Gieth Kon Mathiang as Director General of the National Communications Authority. Rizik Dominic has been appointed as his replacement.
These changes form part of a broader effort by the Presidency to stabilize key state institutions and restore credibility following revelations of systemic corruption and administrative collapse.
Public Reaction: Praise for Reformers
On social media, many citizens welcomed the return of Dr. Chol Deng Thon Abel to the Ministry of Petroleum, while describing him as a figure of “integrity,” “competence,” and “hope for positive reform,” with one commenter writing:
“Your personal reputation gives us hope for positive change in the oil industry, Hon. Dr. Chol. We are confident real reform is now possible under your leadership.”
Another congratulatory message celebrated his reappointment as a “testament to exceptional competence and visionary leadership.”
Likewise, supporters praised Emmanuel Athiei Ayual, the new Nilepet Managing Director, calling him “the young man who made Nilepet great again” and “a symbol of development in the Republic of South Sudan.”
A Nilepet employee wrote:
“Your dedication and hard work have truly paid off. We are optimistic that you will bring excellence and stability to Nilepet.”
A Sector Under Intense Scrutiny
The Ministry of Petroleum and Nilepet have faced mounting public and institutional pressure following recent corruption scandals that triggered a wave of arrests, resignations, and emergency investigations. Several officials have been accused of unauthorized oil deals, manipulation of revenue flows, and forming networks to divert public funds.
President Kiir’s latest decrees appear to be part of a broader effort to restore discipline, transparency, and accountability across the petroleum sector—considered the backbone of South Sudan’s economy.
Looking Ahead
As the nation watches closely, the reshuffle signals the beginning of yet another phase in South Sudan’s ongoing battle to reform its oil institutions. Whether the new leadership will bring the stability and credibility the sector urgently needs remains to be seen.
What is clear is that the government is moving decisively, and the petroleum sector may be on the brink of a long-awaited transformation.