South Sudan petroleum minister Puot Kang not restricted from leaving country – aide  

JUBA – A spokesman for South Sudan’s oil minister, Puot Kang Chol, has refuted social media rumors alleging the minister was barred from leaving the country.

The rumors followed a presidential decree last month stripping Chol of some ministerial powers and transferring them to the oil ministry’s undersecretary.

The main opposition group, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), to which Chol belongs, has opposed the decree.

In a statement extended to Sudans Post this evening, Sirir Gabriel, the minister’s press secretary, dismissed the travel ban claims.

“The Office of the Minister of Petroleum in the Republic of South Sudan categorically denies the rumors circulating on social media stating that the Minister of Petroleum, Hon. Puot Kang Chol, has been denied permission to leave the country. I want to emphasize that these rumors are baseless and hold no truth,” he said.

Gabriel asserted the minister faces no movement restrictions and has not requested to leave the country.

“It is important to clarify that there have been no restrictions placed on the movement of Hon. Puot Kang Chol. He is free to travel and carry out his official duties as required,” Gabriel remarked.

“Additionally, I would like to make it clear that the Minister has not made any request to leave the country, and therefore, no denial of such a request has occurred,” it added.

Gabriel urged the public to rely on official sources, calling the rumors unfounded. He then emphasized the ministry’s commitment to transparency and accurate information.

“The office remains dedicated to transparency and open communication with the public. I encourage individuals to seek official statements from authorized channels when seeking information or clarification on matters of public interest,” the statement said.

“The office is committed to providing accurate updates on the activities and movements of the Minister of Petroleum through official channels,” it stressed.