18/07/2026
Sudd Petroleum Operating Company (SPOC), The Republic of South Sudan
For Immediate Release
SPOC denies false allegations on social media concerning Hon’ble Dr. Santino Ayuel Longar, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Petroleum. The company wishes to inform the public that the malicious statement fabricated to undermine the efforts made by the Hon’ble Undersecretary in supporting oil-producing communities through responsible Corporate Social Responsibility is unfortunate, unacceptable, and unfounded. Legal action will be taken to bring those attempting to tarnish his reputation and the institutions he leads to justice as this constitutes a defamation case according to South Sudan Law. It’s important to note that Hon’ble Dr. Santino Ayuel Longar is an advocate for social development through quality education that provides both human and social development to the individual and the country. The allegations against him are sheer lies, untrue, and unfounded, fabricated by the enemies of progress.
On Friday, July 17, 2026, a group of students from the University of Juba entered the company premises with placards demanding their tuition fees be paid as the exams approach on Monday, July 20, 2026. The management was notified by security personnel deployed at the company. Some management team members, including the VP, Security Manager, and CACD Manager, came down from their offices to meet with the students. Representatives were selected by student protesters from the five counties to meet the CACD Manager and the security team to resolve the protest amicably.
An agreement was reached to write a commitment letter to the University of Juba to allow the students to take their examinations as the company sources the funds to clear the balance arrears to the university. The VC, Prof. John Akech, agreed to allow students to take their examinations on Monday, and a fixed date was agreed upon to disburse the funds to the University of Juba as soon as possible.
However SPOC Paid undue amounted to USD $400,000 in June this year as unpaid arrears, and SPOC continues to be reliant and remains faithful in executing its duty aligned to the Ministry of Petroleum of the Republic of South Sudan. SPOC will continue providing support to the existing 1,846 students studying in various national universities while implementing its newly developed policy to regulate the sponsorship and scholarship program as a part of the community development initiative.
The management wishes to sincerely apologize to the Hon’ble Undersecretary and the public for the unresponsive statements circulating on social media and the inconvenience they might cause.
Sincerely,
SPOC, Management Team.
July 17, 2026
