Chinese Oil Firm Donates Aid to Unity State Flood Victims

By Simon Deng

The Chinese oil firm, China National Petroleum Corporation Africa Company (CNPC), yesterday donated essential relief supplies to thousands of people affected by devastating floods in Unity State.

The relief supplies provided by CNPC to flood-affected victims in Unity State include 35 living tents, 100 blankets, 100 moisture-proof mats, 10 boxes of soap, 100 mosquito nets, and 400 boxes of malaria medication.

Ren Yongsheng, the Director of Public Relations for CNPC, stated that the donated relief supplies consist of living tents, blankets, mats, mosquito nets, and malaria medicines.

Yongsheng emphasised that CNPC has always placed great importance on social responsibility, donating more than 6 million U.S. dollars to charitable projects over the past years.

“After months of preparation, we are pleased that all relief materials have now arrived in Juba and are ready for delivery. We hope these supplies will help alleviate the suffering of flood-affected people and bring them warmth during this difficult time,” said Yongsheng during the handover ceremony at the Unity State coordination office in Juba.

Ren revealed that some of their completed projects include an audio-visual hall for the University of Juba, offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education for eligible youth, constructing a civilian protection site (PoC3), and improving the infrastructure of the China Friendship Secondary School.

“CNPC will continue to stand with the government and people of South Sudan, not only as an investor and business partner but also as a sincere friend. We are confident that, through joint efforts, people in Unity State will overcome the current challenges and embrace a better future,” he said.

“With the guidance of the Chinese embassy, CNPC immediately established connections and reached a consensus with the government of Unity State, striving to provide the necessary aid to the people there,” he added.

John Reyhok Jany, the Coordinator for Unity State, stated that the relief materials, such as the living tents donated by CNPC, will help address shelter issues for flood-affected people in Unity State.

“People face shelter issues and food shortages in the area. The materials will not only address the shelter problems but also improve the lives of our people in Unity. In this regard, I would like to express my appreciation for the humanitarian assistance given to the people of South Sudan, particularly in Unity State,” said Jany.

Samahani Chuoryier, the Unity State advisor for legal affairs, while presenting the statement of Riek Bim Top, the governor of Unity State, expressed gratitude to CNPC for their generous humanitarian support.

Chuoryier emphasised that the assistance received from CNPC is not merely a gesture of goodwill but a demonstration of a deep commitment to helping those in need and strengthening the partnership between South Sudan and China.

“This is not the first contribution our people have received from CNPC during critical and challenging times. I must acknowledge that this donation has arrived at the right moment, when our people are in desperate need of such support,” Chuoryier said.

“The level of humanitarian catastrophe is unimaginable across all parts of our state. The challenges our people face include hunger and inadequate shelter, which I believe, with this intervention, will be minimised,” he stated.

Victoria Benjamin Bol, the Director for Community Development at the Ministry of Petroleum, noted that the heavy floods between August and September 2025 have caused untold suffering in Unity State.

“The devastating flood in Unity State has caused immense hardship; people are displaced, farmland is submerged, and livelihoods are destroyed. These hardships have not only deprived communities of their means of survival but have also led to loss of lives,” Bol said.

“CNPC has helped thousands of families meet their immediate needs. This support is a clear demonstration of true partnership and humanity. While much has been achieved before, countless families still require ongoing assistance to rebuild their homes and livelihoods,” Bol added.

Marta Remijo Rial, Acting Director of the China Affairs Desk in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said that the support provided by the Chinese firm signifies unity and friendship between the two countries.

Rial revealed that South Sudan remains committed to strengthening its relations with China in various fields, while also advancing bilateral relations to the highest possible levels.

“South Sudan is dedicated to continuing its relationship with China across different sectors. We thank the people and the government of China for their support and humanitarian action towards the needy in Unity State,” said Rial.

Huo Ying, Chargé d’Affaires at the Chinese embassy in South Sudan, remarked that global challenges such as natural disasters, public health crises, and unequal development are becoming increasingly prominent, placing higher demands on the global governance system.

Ying explained that CNPC’s donation showcases the responsibility and character of Chinese enterprises, adding that she hopes more entities will join in and extend a helping hand to the affected people in South Sudan.

“I would like to express our highest respect and heartfelt gratitude for CNPC Africa Company’s selfless assistance. Your actions reflect not only a profound concern for the affected people but also a powerful demonstration of the spirit of international humanitarianism and a strong sense of social responsibility,” Huo said.

“No country can remain immune on its own, nor can any country tackle these challenges single-handedly,” she added.

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), an estimated 273,000 people are affected by floods in 12 counties across four states, comprising Jonglei, Unity, Upper Nile, and Central Equatoria, with Jonglei and Unity States accounting for over 91 percent of those impacted.