Kiir restated the requirement on Saturday, October 10, while briefing an expanded caretaker government meeting in the capital, Juba, on his recent diplomatic visits to Kenya and South Africa.

"President Kiir further reiterated his directive requiring holders of constitutional offices to obtain permission before travelling, emphasizing accountability and continuity in the conduct of government business," a statement issued by the office of the President reads in part.

The announcement follows the circulation of a document dated October 3 that reportedly restricts foreign travel by senior government officials and members of the organised forces for three months without presidential approval. However, the document’s authenticity and implementation have not been independently verified.

The reported restrictions have raised questions about the scope of the travel requirement, including which officials are affected and how the directive will be enforced.

Kiir’s latest remarks came after a six-day diplomatic tour of Kenya and South Africa, where he held talks with Presidents William Ruto and Cyril Ramaphosa on bilateral relations, the peace process and preparations for South Sudan’s forthcoming elections.

During his meeting with Ruto in Nairobi on October 5, discussions focused on electoral preparations and regional support for the planned polls. Kenya expressed readiness to provide assistance to South Sudan’s electoral process, according to the South Sudanese government.

In Pretoria, Kiir met Ramaphosa on October 7. The South African president emphasised the importance of implementing the 2018 peace agreement and ensuring an inclusive electoral process based on trust and cooperation among political stakeholders.

The diplomatic engagements come at a critical period for South Sudan, which is preparing to hold elections on December 22, 2026, after years of delays since gaining independence in 2011.

On September 22, Kiir dissolved the transitional unity government and the country’s legislative assemblies and dismissed the five vice-presidents, leaving a caretaker administration to oversee government affairs.

A two-week inter-party dialogue subsequently concluded in Juba on October 7, with discussions focusing on election-related issues and preparations for the polls.

During Saturday’s expanded caretaker government meeting, officials reviewed the outcomes of Kiir’s foreign visits, progress in the inter-party dialogue and security preparations for the electoral period. The government also reaffirmed its commitment to holding elections in December.

The requirement for officials to seek presidential permission before travelling abroad comes as the country navigates its political transition and prepares for the planned vote.