A presidential decree read on the state-run South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) on Monday evening announced the changes, reassigning Dr. Chol as Technical Advisor in the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation. The decree did not provide reasons for the abrupt reshuffle, which reinstated Deng Lual to his former role as Undersecretary in the Ministry of Petroleum.
The move comes only days after Dr. Chol replaced William Anyak Deng in mid-2024, when he was first appointed to the same position before later returning to the state-owned Nile Petroleum Corporation (NILEPET).
His reappointment to the Petroleum Ministry in late 2025 and subsequent removal underscore the political fluidity that has characterized leadership within one of South Sudan’s most vital economic institutions.
A petroleum engineer by training, Thon has been a key figure in the country’s oil industry for several years. He previously served as Managing Director of NILEPET. Under his leadership, NILEPET announced plans to take over the operation of Blocks 3 and 7 by 2027 and launched international tenders for 14 new oil blocks in a bid to revive production and attract investors.
During his tenure, Dr. Chol emphasized capacity building for South Sudanese engineers and technicians, the development of downstream infrastructure, and greater transparency in oil-sector governance.
However, his administration at NILEPET was not without controversy. Several online outlets accused him of mismanaging company funds and engaging in corrupt practices, including the alleged acquisition of properties abroad—claims that were never independently verified but nonetheless stirred public debate about accountability in the sector.
The Ministry of Petroleum, which manages South Sudan’s oil production and export operations, has seen frequent leadership changes in recent years, often linked to internal political maneuvering within the transitional government.
Dr. Chol’s sudden removal mirrors another unusual case earlier this year when Beny Gideon Mabior was dismissed as Minister of East African Community Affairs just 24 hours after his appointment—a move that drew widespread attention on social media.
