Oil Exploration and Extraction in Jonglei State: A Precarious Development
Jonglei Oil Exploration and Extraction
By Ayuen J. Awan Mawak, Bor, South Sudan
Tuesday, 01 April 2025 (PW) — In 2022, I set out on a study trip for my master’s of science research in South Sudan. My initial research idea was objected by the institute on the grounds that the topic was politically motivated and sensitive and that it might go against their policies. I was looking at Redesigning Jonglei Canal Project as a multipurpose reservoir (water storage for various uses, fisheries, recreation, and flood control), contrasting the original design of delivering excess water contained in the swamps for downstream countries (Egypt and Sudan).
The research committee demanded me to change the topic and pick from the pool provided by the institute, to which I declined. I insisted that no matter its sensitivity, I have to add my voice as I am directly impacted by Jonglei Canal and, therefore, it was important to be part of the erudition. In addition, Jonglei Canal was then a hot topic in South Sudan where the country was embroiled in heated debate, pitching the government (the prime decision maker) against the citizens (Social Media Criminals). A good research project is one carried out on hot topic so that it captures vital information to guide decisions while storing these information for the future generations. Due to my resoluteness, the institute gave me slender latitude with major changes on the topic to fit into their policies.
My research then underwent major modifications along the way to kill what they regarded as sensitive (the sensitivity of my research is a topic of another day). Left with the assessment of Sudd ecosystem services, I had to bring in the impacts of the elements of development initiatives like Jonglei canal on the ecosystem services, indigenous knowledge, co-management of wetlands as well as consultation of local communities, and civil society in the development planning in the Jonglei Canal Area as some of the issues to explore.
I, then travelled through the Nile (Bahr el Jebel), about 200 kilometres north of Bor to Duk islands. My itinerary included visiting several islands with Moldova (named in reference to Moldovan oil firm) as an island of concentration given its large population. Inside Moldova is an enormous oil infrastructure that was established by a Moldovan oil firm known as ‘Tersite’, according to the local residents. They said, the oil exploration and drilling started around 2010. The company created a canal about 10-15 kilometres off the Nile for navigation. Moldova was initially a small island used as a cattle camp before the oil company enhanced it. The company also created a long dyke cutting across the wetland, creating a lake from excavation in a place called ‘Plycamp’ east of Moldova. The dyke was to be used as a road connecting the inland areas like Padiet and various oilfields inside the wetland. This dyke was going to interfere with the normal functioning of the wetland such as ecological flow (environmental flow for ecosystems and human livelihoods), flood incidents on the upstream, for example, Twic East County and deterioration of wetland vegetation downstream.
According to locals, while the company was drilling oil, some dark substances were extracted underneath the ground and poured into plastic sheets laid on ground, exposed to light. These substances were capable of killing birds flying above the area – indicative of dangerous hydrocarbons emitting hazardous gases. These substances could have gotten spilled into the water too.
During the 2013 conflict, the Moldovan company left the place and by research time, there was indication that the multimillion-dollar oil infrastructure was damaged. Many vehicles, barges, boats, earth equipment, storage facilities, and housing units were completely damaged. It is difficult to understand if this company was working in isolation of the government of South Sudan. Why would the government of South Sudan not take charge of its protection? Does anyone care of the environmental risks of oil drills unattended to?
As part of my research work, I held discussions with the residents on various islands and on the inland areas. I conducted key informants with the local leaders, local government, civil society members, and focused group discussions with youth and women. They all expressed disappointment with the government as decisions on development initiatives were carried out without consultations. However, they were open to consultations whenever the government is planning to implement large scale projects like oil extraction or canalisation. They added that wetlands have been source of survival for many generations as it provides protection from enemies and also livelihoods. Duk islands are home to over 27,000 inhabitants, some of whom settled there since 1991 and 2013 when Jonglei was invaded by rebels.
Wetlands are described as supermarkets of nature for their abounding diversity and role such as provision of ecosystem services (provisioning, regulatory, cultural and supporting services). Apart from modifying local climate and provision of food directly, Sudd wetland hold huge treasures in our cultural heritage. The ecosystem services valuation indicates that the Sudd wetland is valued at 3.6 billion United States dollars every year. Can we afford to lose it for just few petrodollars that end up in the hands of small clique of people? Sudd supports wildlife conservation, it is also grazing land for the Nilotic nomadic tribes, its potential for large scale agricultural development cannot be forgone. Local media recently reported that an oil firm was identified and consultations for new oil drilling in Jonglei would kick-off in months.
The people of Jonglei shouldn’t get enticed with job offers in Salva Kiir’s government for instant gratification while our safety and the future of the next generation is not guaranteed. This government is on course to kill anything alive – humans and environment alike. Remember the government of South Sudan issued stern warning to cattle herders in search for grazing land and safe havens for their cattle to move out of Equatoria back to their ancestral land where wetlands are vital dry season grazing places available. The president himself added his voice to the call. Once you are completely out of Equatoria, wetlands will become handy for livestock grazing.
Oil extraction, as we have learned from Paloch has destroyed large expanse of land, trees are dying, ground water contaminated, air pollution, human beings have their genetics altered due to inhalation of heavy metals with children born amputated or shapeless and elderly becoming blind and all in all, nobody is held accountable and no environmental remediation plans are in place. Given the flat terrain of Jonglei state, frequently flooded, oil spills would mean that Jonglei and its people, including animals and birds of the sky will be wiped out on the face of the earth or forced to migrate. Oil extraction, wildlife conservation, livestock grazing and other human activities cannot go together in the same place.
Thus, the people of Jonglei should reject any oil works under the present-day government which has no regard for the safety of human beings. We cannot fall for miserable percentage for the oil producing states, while a lot of benefits from our land will be at stake. I appeal to youths, local communities, experts, and intellectuals to give careful and considerable analysis for oil operations in Jonglei state. Unless or otherwise with the approbation by the local people in a collective decision may it be allowed.
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