South Sudan President implements new travel rules for officials amid coup allegations

President Salva Kiir Mayardit has issued a new presidential order regarding the movement of senior government officials in South Sudan. Under Republican Order Number 36-10/2026, general travel restrictions have been lifted and replaced with a system of prior authorization and notification.

Senior officials intending to travel abroad must now obtain written permission from the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, with endorsement from the Presidency. This requirement extends to former senior officials, including former vice presidents, ministers, governors, and members of parliament. For domestic travel, current and former senior officials must provide written notification to the Minister of Cabinet Affairs at least 48 hours in advance, detailing the purpose, destination, duration, and mode of transport.

In a separate development, community leader Gen. Mawien Mathiang Gor has accused former Vice-President Benjamin Bol Mel of plotting to overthrow President Kiir. Gor alleged that the purported coup attempt resulted in the detention of nine individuals from the Awan community. While Gor claimed Bol Mel turned against the president after rising to prominence, no formal charges or specific details regarding the alleged plot have been publicly confirmed by investigators.