Farmers in South Sudan’s Unity State have strongly opposed a controversial proposal by the Greater Nile Petroleum Operating Company (GNPOC), a consortium majority-owned by Chinese interests, to relocate thousands of residents to make way for expanded oil drilling operations.
The rejection was led by Unity State’s Minister of Agriculture, Gai Gatdweil, who labeled the plan as “illegal and unacceptable,” warning that it bypasses both regional and national procedures.
“Pushing communities 45 kilometers away from their ancestral lands without formal approval or environmental assessments is not only unlawful, but also unjust,” Gatdweil said during a press briefing in Bentiu.
GNPOC, which includes major stakeholders from China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), has been operating in South Sudan for years. However, locals say oil development has brought environmental damage without adequate compensation or safeguards.
Food Security at Risk Amid Growing Scrutiny
Minister Gatdweil emphasized that such mass displacement would severely disrupt agriculture during a critical planting season — especially as international aid declines and flooding has already rendered large parts of southern Unity State uncultivable.
He warned that any resettlement efforts must be based on scientific studies, environmental and social impact assessments, and require full approval from the South Sudan National Assembly, citing the sovereign nature of land use.
Local farmers echoed the minister’s concerns. “We’ve already suffered from pollution in our water and soil due to oil leaks,” said one resident near the GNPOC concession area. “Now they want to take what little land we have left — without our consent.”
A History of Environmental Harm
Unity State is among South Sudan’s most affected regions when it comes to the ecological footprint of oil extraction. Residents have long reported cases of air pollution, soil degradation, and health concerns linked to industrial waste.
Community members say that oil companies, including GNPOC, have failed to provide either compensation or proper clean-up efforts, further eroding trust.
Balancing Development with Rights
The latest standoff reflects growing national debate in South Sudan over how to balance the economic importance of oil revenues with the rights and livelihoods of local populations.
While GNPOC has not publicly commented on the relocation proposal, critics say large-scale evictions could cost billions in resettlement efforts and trigger further unrest in a region still recovering from years of conflict.
Minister Gatdweil called for agricultural investment and community support instead of forced displacement, saying:
“Economic development should not come at the cost of dignity, food security, and human rights.”