(Malakal) – The Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passports and Immigration in Upper Nile State has appealed to the national government in Juba to urgently send national identification cards and passport booklets, warning that the shortage is affecting service delivery and frustrating local residents.
Brigadier General Joseph Monybuny, who leads the directorate in Upper Nile, said the lack of supplies has made it difficult to issue critical documents to citizens, many of whom need IDs and passports for essential services, including travel, education, employment, and banking.
“We are appealing to the relevant authorities in Juba to urgently intervene by supplying ID cards and passport booklets,” said Brig. Gen. Monybuny. “Our offices are overwhelmed with citizens in need of these documents, and the delay is impacting people’s ability to travel, register for services, and verify their identity.”
In Malakal and surrounding areas, hundreds of people have been waiting for months to obtain national documents. Without valid identification, residents are unable to complete tasks that require legal recognition, such as applying for jobs, registering for school, or opening bank accounts.
The Directorate has warned that the continued lack of supplies could increase public dissatisfaction and reduce trust in the government’s ability to provide basic services in remote areas such as Upper Nile.
Officials have called on the Ministry of Interior and national authorities in Juba to improve the supply chain of civil registration materials, and to ensure that states outside the capital receive equal attention in the distribution of national documents.
The appeal comes at a time when South Sudan is attempting to strengthen its civil registry system as part of broader reforms aimed at improving governance and legal documentation across the country. However, challenges in logistics and coordination remain, especially in conflict affected or hard to reach areas.
No specific figures were given for how many ID cards or passport booklets are needed, but local authorities say demand is steadily increasing. Some applicants report having waited more than six months without receiving any updates on the status of their documents.
