June 4, 2024 (JUBA) – South Sudan cabinet has restricted access to President Salva Kiir, amid concerns over breach of health and safety protocols within the palace.

The Minister for the Presidency, Joseph Bakosoro said the move seeks to improve the protocols in the president’s office, while streamlining the schedules of visitors.

The decision was reached after the Council of Ministers approved the matter.

However, while some people welcomed the announcement, others see it as an attempt to promote and protect personal interests at the expense of the greater good when the country prepares for the general elections due in December 2024.

Observers and opposition officials see the restriction as a hint to President Kiir’s health, which has been a source of speculation and at times a cause of tension between aides and military officers showing interest in succession politics.

South Sudan’s Deputy Information Minister, Jacob Korok said ministers intending to see the president must first submit a formal request to the cabinet affairs office.

Thereafter, the request would be forwarded to the Ministry of Presidential Affairs.

The Presidential Affairs ministry will, upon receiving request, schedule a meeting.

“So, the ministers will have to fill and submit a form to the minister of cabinet affairs office before rushing to the president’s office. You have to fill out the form, which will be taken to the office of the minister of presidential affairs. And then you will be informed that your time has come. The new measures and procedures are meant to reduce congestion in the president’s office, ” explained Korok.

The same applies to presidential advisers, security as well as defense officials.

The new measures do not, however, apply to the country’s five vice presidents.