South Sudan’s Ministry of Interior has ordered security personnel at the country’s entry points to stop demanding unauthorized payments from citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states.
The directive follows reports that some police officers at Juba International Airport and other border points have been asking EAC visitors for money while claiming the payments were required for alien registration.
The ministry has rejected the practice, describing such collections as illegal and instructing all police and other organized forces to end them immediately.
South Sudan joined the East African Community with commitments to support the movement of people and strengthen regional integration. The ministry said citizens of EAC partner states are entitled to rights provided under the EAC Treaty, including provisions governing the movement, establishment and residence of persons within the bloc.
Security personnel have therefore been reminded that their duties at airports, border crossings and other entry points must be carried out in accordance with national law and South Sudan’s regional obligations.
The ministry warned that officers who continue demanding unauthorized payments could face disciplinary action under existing laws and regulations.
The directive also places responsibility on commanders to monitor their personnel and ensure that the order is enforced at all points of entry.
Authorities said compliance is important not only to protect the rights of EAC citizens but also to prevent practices that could undermine South Sudan’s relationship with neighboring countries and damage its reputation within the regional bloc.
The move comes as South Sudan continues efforts to deepen its participation in the EAC and make cross-border movement easier for citizens of member states.
