South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit has ordered a comprehensive three-month ban prohibiting senior government officials and members of the security forces from traveling abroad without explicit prior authorization. The decision comes as the nation enters a critical transitional period in preparation for its first general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026.
The travel restrictions apply to constitutional officeholders, administrative directors-general, undersecretaries, cabinet ministers, and presidential advisors. Furthermore, a document issued through the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence indicates that military personnel within the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and other organized security organs—ranging from Second Lieutenants to Generals—must secure written clearance directly from President Kiir in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief.
Addressing senior state leadership following official visits to Kenya and South Africa, President Kiir emphasized that the policy aims to enforce governance continuity, strict public accountability, and institutional focus during the run-up to the polls. Government authorities added that the mandate serves to safeguard domestic political stability and minimize potential external interference while key administrative preparations take place.
The directive follows the dissolution of the cabinet on September 22, 2026, and the subsequent appointment of caretaker officials tasked with steering state affairs through the 90-day pre-election timeline. During his recent regional diplomacy, President Kiir engaged with Kenyan President William Ruto and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, both of whom affirmed their readiness to support South Sudan’s electoral commission with technical capacity-building and institutional assistance to ensure a credible election process.
