South Sudan Bar association challenged the new traffic fines for motorists, gave the interior ministry an ultimatum for its reversal.

According to a letter seen by NCMP dated February 10, 2022, the South Sudan Bar Association (SSBA) says the newly introduced traffic fines for motorists by the Ministry of Interior, through its Directorate of National Traffic Police, was evidently an unlawful attempt. The association gave the ministry an ultimatum to immediately reverse its actions.

The association broached in the letter that although it was done in a good spirit and it was an attempt to bring reforms to the streets of Juba and South Sudan, the bar association later mentioned that the Traffic Act 2003, which regulates the work of the Directorate of National Traffic Police, does not authorize the Directorate to legislate and implement such measures.

The letter categorically mentioned that legislative powers are only vested in the National Parliament. The rates are set by the parliament in the Financial Act of 2021/2022.

The collection is done by orders of the National Revenue Authority and not by orders of any acting authority as this is deemed to be done.

In this circumstance, the Bar Association in the memo urges the Minister of Interior to immediately suspend the impugned and illegal order. We also urge the Minister to urgently issue appropriate notice to this effect.

If this issue is not immediately corrected, and in any event, by the close of business on Monday, February 14, 2022, the Bar Association will have no option but to move to court to seek conservatory orders.