South Sudan opposition leader calls Russian oil transfer illegal
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Radio Tamazuj
South Sudan People’s Liberation Movement leader Deng Bol Aruai Bol condemns the proposed transfer to Russian company Zarubezhneft of Petronas’s stakes in two South Sudanese oil companies. The preliminary agreement was signed in Moscow on 29 October 2026, according to Radio Tamazuj, which reports that the opposition leader considers it illegal.
Deng Bol Aruai Bol, president of the South Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SSPLM), condemned as illegal the proposed transfer to Russian oil company Zarubezhneft of Petronas’s stakes in two South Sudanese oil companies. The opposition leader challenged the legitimacy of the preliminary agreement announced by the presidency on Friday, Radio Tamazuj reports.
A memorandum of understanding and a letter of acceptance were signed in Moscow on 29 October, according to the presidential announcement. The meeting bringing together officials from South Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum, Nile Petroleum Corporation and Zarubezhneft was co-chaired by South Sudan’s Petroleum Minister Awow Daniel Chuang and Russia’s Energy Minister, Sergueï Tsiviliov. The transfer concerns Petronas’s interests in Dar Petroleum Operating Company and Greater Pioneer Operating Company.
Deng Bol cited Article 172 of the Transitional Constitution, which vests ownership of oil and gas resources in the people of South Sudan and provides for their management in the public interest. He also said the dissolution of the transitional government on 22 September called into question the authority of Salva Kiir’s administration to conclude lasting agreements on resources. He called for past revenues, debts and obligations linked to future production to be examined before any new commitment.
The South Sudanese presidency has described the project as a major step towards expanding the oil partnership with Russia. On 30 October, Salva Kiir also called on Moscow to invest in four sectors of the country and advocated stronger economic ties at the Russia-Africa summit.
