President Salva Kiir Mayardit has issued a strict directive prohibiting members of South Sudan’s organised forces from posting images of their promotions, uniforms, or official documents on social media platforms, warning that violators face severe disciplinary action, including dismissal and prosecution.
In a circular addressed to all organised forces, the President ordered the immediate cessation of photographing, scanning, or sharing any official document bearing his signature on digital platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter).
The directive applies to officers of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), the National Police Service, the National Security Service, and all other organised forces.
Protecting the Sanctity of the Presidency
According to the circular, the order was prompted by growing concern over the widespread circulation of presidential decrees, promotion letters, and operational orders on social media.
The President warned that such practices undermine the sanctity of the presidential signature and erode discipline within state institutions.
“The public sharing of official documents and decrees turns serious state business into public debate and weakens institutional authority,” the directive states.
Ban on Promotion Celebrations in Uniform
The order also targets what it describes as unprofessional conduct by newly promoted officers who post celebratory images in uniform on social media.
President Kiir noted that public display of promotions online diminishes the professionalism of the organised forces and shows disrespect to state institutions by turning internal military processes into public spectacle.
Under the new rules, officers are forbidden from:
Posting images in uniform to mark promotions
Sharing promotion letters or official documents
Commenting publicly on presidential or executive decisions
Expressing opinions while in uniform or while identifying themselves as members of the organised forces
The directive reinforces Republican Order No. 27/2021, which bars members of the organised forces from engaging in political or public commentary.
Tightened Control of Presidential Decrees
The President further tightened procedures governing the handling of presidential decrees, restricting access strictly to authorised personnel on a need-to-know basis.
All presidential decrees are to be delivered only to:
The Chief of Defence Forces
The Inspector General of Police
Heads of the respective security services
The documents must not be circulated outside official administrative channels.
Compliance and Penalties
Heads of the organised forces have been instructed to implement promotions and assignments internally and submit a consolidated compliance report to the Office of the President within 48 hours after any such exercise.
The circular classifies unauthorised posting of official documents or online display of uniforms as serious disciplinary offences.
Penalties include stripping of rank, dismissal from service, and prosecution under military, police, or national security laws.
The directive takes effect immediately, with the Chief of Defence Forces, the Inspector General of Police, and heads of all security services personally tasked with enforcing full compliance across all ranks.
