The South Sudan Bar Association has issued a three-day ultimatum to the Minister of Interior, demanding the revocation of an alleged directive on company vehicle number plates. The Association claims the Directorate of Traffic Police has been seizing company-owned vehicles, replacing their number plates, and demanding payments in US dollars for new plates and vehicle releases.
According to the Bar Association, the seized vehicles' original plates were issued by the Directorate of Traffic Police after vehicle owners paid the required fees, making them valid proof of vehicle registration. The Association argues that there is no law, ministerial order, regulation, or public notice authorizing the compulsory replacement of plates, vehicle seizures, or collection of additional fees in foreign currency.
The Bar Association asserts that the alleged practice violates several provisions of the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan, including those related to the rule of law, the National Legislature's powers to impose fees, the South Sudanese pound as legal tender, and the protection of private property. The Association also questions the authority of caretaker office holders to introduce new substantive measures while the national parliament remains unelected.
The Bar Association has formally served the Minister of Interior with a notice of demand and intention to institute legal proceedings. The Association demands the immediate withdrawal of the alleged directive, unconditional release of seized vehicles, a full refund of collected money, an independent investigation into involved officers, and a public announcement outlining the measures taken.
Failure to comply within three days will prompt the Bar Association to seek legal remedies before the competent courts of South Sudan or the East African Court of Justice. The Association may also refer the matter to the South Sudan Anti-Corruption Commission. Chairperson Arop Malueth Manoon emphasizes that the rule of law must be respected, and no public official has the authority to seize property or impose charges without a legal basis.
The Bar Association urges affected companies to preserve receipts and records relating to payments and vehicle seizures. It also calls on its members to provide legal assistance to those affected. The public is appealed to remain calm and pursue the matter through lawful channels. The Ministry of Interior and the Directorate of Traffic Police had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of writing.
The South Sudan Bar Association's actions aim to protect the rights of vehicle owners and ensure that the government operates within the bounds of the law. The Association's efforts will be closely watched as the country navigates issues of governance, rule of law, and accountability.
Key points
- The Bar Association has given the Minister of Interior three days to revoke the alleged directive on company vehicle number plates.
- The Association claims the Directorate of Traffic Police has been seizing company-owned vehicles and demanding payments in US dollars for new plates and vehicle releases.
- Failure to comply will prompt the Bar Association to seek legal remedies before the competent courts of South Sudan or the East African Court of Justice.
