Major General Kon John Akot, Director of the national Traffic Police. (Photo: Courtesy).

The Ministry of Interior has been directed to rescind the order by the Director General of National Traffic Police reducing drivers’ license validity period from five years to one year, First Deputy Speaker of the National Legislative Assembly Oyet Nathaniel has said .

The resolve followed a Tuesday meeting bringing together the chairperson of the RTNLA’s Specialized Committee on Security and Public order, Kom Kom along with his deputy, the Deputy Minister of Interior, Mangar Buom and institution’s spokesperson Colonel John Kasara.

On Friday the Director of National Traffic Police has issued an order reducing the validity period of driver’s license from five years to one year for South Sudanese nationals and six months for foreigners.

The order issued by Maj. Gen. Kon John Akot imposed different amendments for drivers’ license.

His decision was promptly rejected by two prominent human rights activists who cited the move it as a violation of the law and constitutional provisions.

Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), said the order contradicted regulations in the appropriation bill of the financial year 2024-2025.

Tuesday morning, Nathaniel Oyet told Eye Radio that the interior ministry was directed to return back to the five years as the validity period of the driving license.

“Today we did not approve the order by the Director General of Traffic. That’s why we summoned the Ministry of Interior’ acting minister, who is the Deputy Minister of Interior and then we were able to direct them accordingly.

“We told them please no, you must go back to the five years. That one is a normal practice”, he said.