By Bosco Bush
The Ministry of Interior has been directed to revoke a controversial Order issued by the Director-General of Traffic Police, shortening Driving License validity from five years to one year for nationals and six months for foreigners.
The decision was reached after a meeting between First Deputy Speaker of the National Legislative Assembly Oyet Nathaniel Peirino officials at the Ministry of Interior.
Those present were Acting Minister and Deputy Minister of Interior Mangar Buom, South Sudan National Police Service Spokesperson John Kassara, and Chair of the Specialized Committee for Security and Public Order Kom Kom, along with his Deputy Samuel Loti.
In a Facebook Post after the meeting, First Deputy Speaker Oyet Nathaniel said the officials resolved that, the Order contravenes best practices of the regional Standard Operation Procedure, and directed the Ministry of Interior to rescind the Order with immediate effect.
“We have resolved that since the Order contravenes the best practices of the Standard Operation Procedure in situ and the regional practices, the Ministry of Interior has been directed to rescind such Order with immediate effect,” his statement read.
According to Oyet, the meeting also advised the Ministry to work with South Sudan Revenue Authority on any matter affecting the Financial Act 2024/2025, and further, to table the Draft South Sudan Traffic Police Bill in Parliament as soon as possible.
Last week, the directorate of traffic police issued a directives, shortening the duration of driving licenses from five years to one year for nationals, and from one year to six months for foreign drivers.
This change was outlined in a circular dated January 4, 2025, written by Maj-Gen Kon John Akot, the director of traffic police, and directed to the chief inspector of the driving license department.
“In regard to the above-mentioned subject, be informed that, the duration for a driver’s license to national (South Sudanese) is reduce from five years to one year while for foreigners is reduced from one year to six (6) months,” partly reads a circular.
The chief license inspector was also instructed by Maj-Gen Akot to send all driver’s license files to national traffic for final approval prior to production.
Sections 31 and 32 of the Traffic Act, 2003, which establishes the legal framework, states that “a driver’s license may be granted for a period of twelve months (1 year), three years, or five years,” subject to renewal.
If implemented, drivers would be expected to spend over three hundred thousand South Sudan pounds or more than two hundred thousand annually for renewals.
Public outcry
Following the new Order, many drivers have expressed concerns about the additional expense and inconvenience of yearly renewals, especially given the current economic challenges.
Mr. Emmanuel Junior, a bus driver, voiced worries that the traffic police director should not make unilateral decisions, even in tough economic times.
“He can’t just decree what he wants. A driving license lasts five years for citizens and one year for foreigners. Reducing it to one year for citizens and six months for foreigners eliminates the distinction,” he said.
“He cannot simply write and enforce an order as he pleases. I believe this order is invalid, and no one can afford to renew their license every year due to the economic crisis. I urge the director of traffic police to reconsider,” Junior added.
He suggested that if the traffic department insists on this directive, drivers should meet with the traffic boss to discuss the issue amicably.
“I advise that he revoke the one-year duration for driver’s licenses and follow standard global practices, which allow for a five-year duration.”
Mr. Joseph Redento, another driver, suggested that such directives should be thoroughly studied and presented to parliament for scrutiny and approval.
“Orders come from the government’s decision-making, but it is crucial that any decision undergoes rigorous analysis and is ultimately presented to parliament. I’d appreciate knowing if this specific decision has been brought to the August House,” he inquired.
He demanded that the order be revoked, expressing disbelief that the traffic department could change vehicle licenses in two days while imposing such a significant reduction in the duration of driver’s licenses.
“We thought that the country’s economic circumstances were driving price increases, but shortening the duration of driving licenses is not a reasonable solution,” he lamented.
“In my understanding, a driver’s license can be issued for one year, three years, or five years at different stages—starting with a private license that can be renewed to a general license after three years, extending to five years. I don’t understand the rationale behind this law, and we are requesting an explanation of how they arrived at this decision,” Redento urged.
He also called on the government to alleviate the burden on citizens, stating that, “the more the government seeks to generate non-oil revenue, the heavier the burden becomes on the citizens. If the government reduces revenue collection, it would make life easier and more accessible for people. They should consider alternatives instead of imposing additional pressures.”
James, another driver, demanded that the directive be rescinded, arguing that it exacerbates the difficulties faced by drivers.
“We drivers work in extremely difficult conditions, and the majority of us are forced into this line of work because of our children’s education, needs and added that the requirement to renew our driver’s license annually is unbecoming,” he said.