I think the appointment has nothing to do with his oil...

I think the appointment has nothing to do with his oil knowledge. His former position with elf congo should mean he has contacts and influence locally with the mining industry and the government. Same story with the former minister. He will no doubt have great influence in ROC and if anything needs to get past the government, he will be the one to do it.

With positions including special advisor to President, minister of youth and sports, minister of agriculture and general director of planning and his current role of liaising with the government, PR, and community development, this is a great appointment. I figure being in Africa, the government is probably corrupt so it always helps to have someone like this on your team.