South Sudan President Sacks Head of National Oil Company
President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan recently announced the dismissal of the Managing Director of the national oil company Nilepet, Eng. Mohammed Lino Benjamin. The decision was made public through a presidential decree aired on state television on Thursday.
The new Managing Director, Eng. Ayuel Ngor Kwocgor, has been appointed to take over the role. The reasons behind the leadership changes were not disclosed by the President.
The oil industry in South Sudan has faced challenges, with the main pipeline carrying oil for export through Sudan being damaged earlier this year. This disruption led to a halt in oil production and a declaration of force majeure on crude loadings from Port Sudan.
With oil exports being a major source of revenue for South Sudan, the government is facing obstacles in resuming pumping operations due to control of the oil pipelines by the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan. Former officials have urged the cooperation of the South Sudanese government to ensure the protection and safe resumption of work in the oil fields.