South Sudan's Kiir tightens rules on officials' foreign travel

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has reiterated that officials holding constitutional offices must seek his approval before travelling abroad. He restated the directive on Saturday while briefing the expanded caretaker government in Juba on his recent visits to Kenya and South Africa.

The directive follows a document dated October 3 that circulated publicly and reportedly bars senior government officials and members of the organized forces from travelling abroad for three months without Kiir's approval. The document's authenticity and implementation have not been independently verified.

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

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

During his visit to Nairobi, Kiir met Kenyan President William Ruto to discuss bilateral cooperation and South Sudan's electoral preparations. According to the South Sudanese government, Kenya expressed readiness to support the electoral process.

In Pretoria, Kiir held talks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who also expressed support for the elections, according to a statement released by the Office of the President of South Sudan.

The expanded caretaker cabinet reviewed the outcomes of the visits, progress in the inter-party dialogue and security preparations for the electoral period.

Meanwhile, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to holding elections in December, the statement said.

(With input from local media agencies)