(JUBA) – The Government of South Sudan has announced plans to establish an Official Government Gazette that will serve as the formal channel for publishing presidential decrees, official appointments and other state decisions, signalling a shift from the long standing practice of announcing such matters primarily through televised addresses.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Presidential Affairs, Africano Mande, who said the gazette would provide a structured and legally recognised platform for communicating government decisions. He explained that the system would be similar to the Kenya Gazette, which is used in Kenya as the official public record of state actions and legal notices.
Under the new arrangement, once information has been officially released through the authorised government office, media houses will be free to report on presidential decrees and other state decisions without restriction. The minister stressed that the policy is intended to organise official sources of information rather than limit press freedom.
However, the minister noted that members of the organised forces will be restricted from publicly expressing opinions on presidential appointments and dismissals, in line with existing regulations governing discipline and conduct within the security services.
According to Mande, the government will urgently operationalise the Official Government Gazette and prioritise the upgrade of the existing government website to support timely publication and public access. He said the Office of the President will work jointly with the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and the Ministry of Information to ensure the system is established without delay.
The gazette is expected to provide a permanent and publicly accessible record of all presidential decrees and key government decisions. Officials say this will strengthen transparency, improve legal certainty and reinforce respect for the rule of law in South Sudan.
The absence of a single formal publication channel has in the past contributed to confusion, rumours and disputes surrounding presidential decrees. If implemented effectively, the gazette could reduce speculation and provide clarity for government institutions, businesses and the general public.
For the business community, a reliable and legally binding source of government decisions is seen as an important step towards improving the operating environment. Clear publication of appointments, policy directives and regulatory decisions can help investors and companies better assess risks and comply with government requirements.
The government says the move forms part of broader efforts to modernise state communication systems and strengthen governance practices in South Sudan.
Expected Functions of the Official Government Gazette
| Function | Purpose | Business Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Decree Publication | Official record of presidential decisions | Improved legal clarity |
| Appointments Notices | Formal announcement of public offices | Reduced uncertainty |
| Public Access | Central source of state information | Better investor confidence |
| Legal Record | Permanent and binding documentation | Stronger rule of law |
The establishment of the Official Government Gazette is expected to mark a significant change in how state decisions are communicated and recorded in South Sudan.