The Chinese-Malaysian oil consortium operating South Sudan's only still productive oil fields has denied a report that the country's top army general Paul Malong visited their headquarters last week, but company and military sources confirmed the report.

The report published by Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday also stated that Malong had sought to do a black market currency deal with company officials, having heard that Dar officials were selling dollars.

Dar Petroleum Operating Company (DPOC) sent a statement to Radio Tamazuj yesterday categorically denying “the whole story”, including that the SPLA Chief of Staff visited the company's premises.

The company stated that it does not engage in black market currency deals, stressing, “DPOC is governed by the laws of South Sudan in its business dealings and complies fully with the Central Bank of South Sudan regulations. We strictly abide by the official exchange rate published by the Central Bank in our financial transactions.”

The oil company further condemned the report by Radio Tamazuj as “irresponsible,” “unfounded,” “baseless,” “unacceptable” and “defamation”.

However, sources confirmed that the SPLA Chief of Staff did visit the Dar Petroleum premises last Wednesday, 9 September. He arrived in a military vehicle and was accompanied by bodyguards in two vehicles, one in front and one behind.

According to a source within SPLA General Headquarters, a senior officer, the visit by the army chief to the headquarters of the company was just for “familiarization”. The military source confirmed Malong's visit while denying any intimidation was involved or any company officials were arrested.

Another source within Dar Petroleum itself confirmed to Radio Tamazuj that Malong discussed two issues with company officials during the meeting on 9 September. Before raising the money issue, he queried the Dar officials about the reasons for reported delays in selling oil produced in June and July.

Meanwhile, Dar Petroleum added in its statement, dated 15 September, “DPOC reserves the right to pursue legal action against Radio Tamazuj should it fails to withdraw this false and irresponsible story.”

“This irresponsible reporting is unacceptable, abhorred and. DPOC hereby demands Radio Tamazuj to immediately withdraw the report and issue a published apology to the company within 24 hours.”

The original report is available for reading on Radio Tamazuj's website at this link.

File photo: Paul Malong Awan