(JUBA) – The Ministry of Interior has formally cancelled a set of disputed traffic directives, a move that is expected to ease uncertainty for transport operators, vehicle owners and businesses across South Sudan. The decision follows growing concern from the public and commercial sector over recent enforcement measures affecting vehicle compliance.
The Acting Minister of Interior, Mangar Buong Aluenge, issued Ministerial Order No. 03 of 2025 on 19 December 2025, nullifying traffic instructions earlier released by the Director of Traffic Police, Major General Kon John Akot. The order comes one day after the Inspector General of Police, General Said Chawul Lom, issued a similar directive suspending the same measures.
The cancelled directives had introduced charges and restrictions on factory tinted vehicles, locally tinted vehicles, right hand drive vehicles and passenger minibuses with right side doors. These measures had raised concern among transport companies and private vehicle owners, who warned that the rules would increase operating costs and disrupt mobility in urban centres, particularly Juba.
In the ministerial order, the Acting Minister cited his constitutional authority under Article 117 of the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan and provisions of the National Police Service Act. He stated that the decision was taken in the interest of orderly administration and pending further review by the Police Leadership Council.
The order provides for the separation of vehicle logbooks and insurance documentation, clarifying that each should be issued independently rather than combined in a single card. This change is intended to streamline vehicle registration processes and reduce confusion for motorists and insurers.
It also directs an immediate stop to all charges imposed on factory tinted vehicles operating on public roads until a final decision is reached by the police leadership. In addition, all locally tinted vehicles are to have the tint removed without any financial penalty, removing a source of friction between motorists and traffic officers.
The order further suspends any requirement for vehicles to be converted to left hand drive or for doors to be modified, pending a comprehensive policy decision. This provision is particularly significant for businesses that rely on imported vehicles, including logistics firms, humanitarian agencies and public transport operators.
| Key Measure | Status Under Ministerial Order |
|---|---|
| Charges on factory tinted vehicles | Suspended |
| Removal of local tint | Allowed without charge |
| Conversion to left hand drive | Suspended |
| Vehicle door modifications | Suspended |
| Logbook and insurance | Issued separately |
Implementation of the order has been delegated to the Inspector General of Police, in line with the National Police Act. This places responsibility on police leadership to ensure that traffic enforcement units comply fully with the revised instructions.
From a business perspective, the decision is likely to bring short term stability to the transport sector, which is critical to trade, service delivery and labour mobility in South Sudan. Transport costs have a direct impact on food prices, construction activity and the movement of goods between counties, making regulatory clarity a key economic concern.
The cancellation of the directives also signals a more cautious approach to policy enforcement, at a time when the government is seeking to encourage private sector activity and reduce operational barriers. Further consultations with stakeholders are expected before any new traffic regulations are introduced.
The ministerial order was signed and stamped at the Ministry of Interior in Juba on 19 December 2025 and copied to the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of Traffic Police for immediate action.
