By Jenifer James
The Inspector General of Police has officially reversed a controversial directive issued earlier this month by the Director of Traffic Police.
On January 4, Major General Kon John Akot, the Director General of Traffic Police, had announced a new policy reducing the validity of driving licenses. Under this directive, South Sudanese citizens’ licenses were to be valid for only one year, while those of foreigners would be limited to just six months.
However, on Tuesday, the spokesperson for the South Sudan National Police Service, Colonel John Kassara Koang, confirmed that the directive had been rescinded by the Inspector General of Police.
John stated that driving licenses would now return to their original five-year validity period for all holders, both nationals and foreigners alike.
‘’The Office of the Inspector General of Police is hereby notifying the public on the cancellation made on the above directive issued by the Director of Traffic Police, date 4th January 2025. Hence, the public is advised that the driving license shall be valid until for a period of five years, at which they must be renewed upon presentation to the licensing authority, along with the driving license with the requisite fee,’’ John said.
John emphasized that the previous directive has been officially cancelled and no longer applies.