South Sudan President Salva Kiir has ordered government officials, military personnel and police officers to obtain his personal approval before travelling abroad, with the three-month directive coming as the country prepares for its first general election since independence in 2011.
The directive requires constitutional office holders and members of the organised forces to seek presidential authorisation before leaving the country, reinforcing restrictions on foreign travel during a critical period in South Sudan’s political transition.
Kiir announced the measure during a meeting with government officials following his visits to Kenya and South Africa, where he held talks with Presidents William Ruto and Cyril Ramaphosa on bilateral relations and preparations for the forthcoming elections.
According to a statement from the President’s Office, the directive is intended to strengthen accountability and ensure continuity in government operations.
“President Kiir further reiterated his directive requiring holders of constitutional offices to obtain permission before travelling, emphasising accountability and continuity in the conduct of government business,” the statement read.
Military Intelligence Document Outlines Travel Restrictions
The announcement follows a document circulated earlier this month that reportedly introduced a three-month restriction on foreign travel for senior government officials and members of South Sudan’s organised forces without presidential approval.
The document, reportedly issued by the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence, states that personnel serving in the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and other organised forces must obtain permission from Kiir, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief, before travelling abroad.
According to South Sudanese media reports, the directive covers military personnel ranging from second lieutenants to generals, alongside senior government officials.
Those affected reportedly include directors-general, undersecretaries, ministers and government advisers.
The measure places a wide range of public officials under tighter travel controls as the administration prepares for a significant electoral milestone.
South Sudan Prepares for December Elections
South Sudan is preparing to hold its first general election on December 22, following years of delays and political uncertainty since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011.
The government has said the travel directive is intended to guard against foreign interference in the electoral process as preparations continue.
On September 22, Kiir dissolved his government and appointed caretaker officials to oversee state affairs for three months while the country prepares for the polls.
The election is expected to be a major test for South Sudan’s political institutions, which have faced repeated challenges in implementing the country’s transition arrangements.
The travel restrictions come as authorities seek to maintain control over government operations during the election preparations, although the directive’s practical impact on official diplomatic engagements and other overseas duties remains unclear.
Ruto, Ramaphosa Discuss Electoral Support With Kiir
Kiir’s recent visits to Kenya and South Africa focused partly on preparations for the elections and strengthening relations with the two regional partners, according to the President’s Office.
Both countries expressed readiness to support South Sudan’s electoral process.
In January 2026, President Ruto announced that Kenya would provide capacity-building and institutional support to South Sudan’s electoral agency to help prepare for credible and peaceful elections.
“We are ready to support capacity building and institutional preparedness of South Sudan’s electoral agency ahead of the elections scheduled for later this year,” Ruto said.
Kenya’s proposed assistance forms part of wider regional efforts to support South Sudan as it prepares to conduct a national election after years of delays.
South Africa has also expressed willingness to support the electoral process, with the two countries among the regional partners engaging Juba on its preparations.
Travel Ban Comes at a Critical Political Moment
The three-month directive places additional restrictions on senior officials at a time when South Sudan is preparing for a potentially historic election.
By requiring presidential approval for overseas travel, Kiir’s administration is seeking greater oversight of the movements of government officials and members of the security forces during the election period.
However, the scope of the restrictions and the procedures for granting exemptions will be important in determining how the directive affects official business, military duties and diplomatic engagements.
The immediate focus remains on whether South Sudan can complete its electoral preparations and proceed with the planned December 22 vote.
For Kenya and other regional partners, the election is also significant because of South Sudan’s political stability and its implications for security and cooperation across East Africa.
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