- South Sudan president Salva Kiir briefed an expanded caretaker government meeting on his recent diplomatic visits to Kenya and South Africa
- Kiir held talks with President William Ruto, who reaffirmed full support for South Sudan's first general elections since independence
- South Sudan's Minister of Information confirmed that the country remains on course to hold general election in December 2026
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Nancy Odindo is a current affairs writer at Tuko.co.ke (joined in 2023). She has one year of experience in print and more than five years in digital media.
South Sudan president Salva Kiir Mayardit has directed holders of constitutional offices to obtain his permission before travelling outside the country, following his return from diplomatic visits to Kenya and South Africa.
Source: Facebook
The directive came during an expanded caretaker government meeting held in Juba on Saturday, October 10, 2026, where Kiir briefed Presidential Advisors and Envoys, Caretaker Ministers, and senior security officials on the outcomes of both visits.
The office of the President framed the travel requirement as a measure to ensure accountability and continuity in government operations as the country approaches a critical political transition.
"President Kiir further reiterated his directive requiring holders of constitutional offices to obtain permission before travelling, emphasising accountability and continuity in the conduct of government business," the office said.
Kiir's Kenya and South Africa engagements
Kiir described both diplomatic visits as productive. In Nairobi, he held bilateral talks with President William Ruto at State House on October 5, 2026, during which the two leaders reviewed the longstanding ties between their countries, rooted in South Sudan's liberation history.
Ruto assured Kiir that Kenya stands ready to support South Sudan throughout its electoral process, which would mark the country's first general election since independence.
In Pretoria, Kiir met South African president Cyril Ramaphosa, highlighting South Africa's longstanding friendship with South Sudan.
Ramaphosa similarly expressed readiness to back the electoral process, adding regional momentum to the December elections timetable.
December elections remain on course
The caretaker government meeting also reviewed progress on inter-party dialogue covering election-related matters and security preparations for the electoral period.
South Sudan's Minister of Information reaffirmed at the meeting that the government remains committed to conducting general elections in December 2026, in line with its stated timetable.
The gathering was structured to strengthen coordination among key government stakeholders and assess how the outcomes of Kiir's foreign engagements could be translated into concrete electoral preparations domestically.
South Sudan's December elections are set to be a landmark moment for the country, which has been navigating a fragile peace process following years of civil conflict.
Muhoozi orders ministers to seek approval before travelling
Elsewhere, Uganda's General Muhoozi Kainerugaba issued a directive requiring ministers to seek his approval before travelling abroad.
Source: Twitter
The order followed a visit to Turkey by Minister Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, whom Muhoozi said had travelled without permission.
He threatened ministers with a KSh 993,000 fine, raising questions about the legal authority behind the directive. Kasolo later apologised and vowed to consult in future.
Source: TUKO.co.ke