South Sudan President bans officials from foreign travel without approval after Kenyan visit
South Sudan President bans officials from foreign travel without approval after Kenyan visit
South Sudan President Salva Kiir has barred government officials and members of the organised forces from travelling abroad without his prior approval.
In a statement, the President’s Office said constitutional office holders, military personnel and police officers must obtain Kiir’s permission before leaving the country.
Speaking during a meeting with government officials following his visits to Kenya and South Africa, Kiir said the directive would remain in force for three months as the country prepares for its first-ever general election since gaining independence in 2011.
“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 from the President’s Office read.
The announcement follows a document circulated earlier this month that reportedly imposed a three-month ban on foreign travel for senior government officials and members of the organised forces without presidential approval.
The document, reportedly issued by the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence, states that personnel in the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and other organised forces must obtain approval from Kiir, as Commander-in-Chief, before travelling abroad.
According to South Sudanese media outlets, the directive covers military ranks from Second Lieutenant to General, as well as senior government officials, including directors-general, undersecretaries, ministers and government advisers.
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South Sudan is preparing to hold its first-ever general election on December 22, with the government saying the directive is intended to prevent foreign interference in the electoral process.
On September 22, Kiir dissolved his government and appointed caretaker officials to run the country for three months as preparations for the elections continue.
According to the President’s Office, Kiir’s recent visits to Kenya and South Africa, where he met Presidents William Ruto and Cyril Ramaphosa, focused on the upcoming elections and bilateral relations.
Both Kenya and South Africa expressed readiness to support South Sudan’s electoral process.
In January 2026, 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.
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