Juba, South Sudan
February 13, 2022 —- South Sudan Bar Association questions the legality of the new fines order that were enacted and issued by South Sudan Police for motorists found violating traffic laws.
This comes less than three (3) days after South Sudan Traffic Police issued an infamous fines order for motorists.
In a statement extended to Nyamilepedia, Ajak Mayal Bior, the Chairperson of South Sudan Bar Association, said the order that the order was unlawful attempt by the ministry of interior to impose corrupt practices.
“.. South Sudan Bar Association (SSBA) wake up to the new headline in Eye Radio titled” South Sudan Police issue new traffic fines for motorists”,the story was alarming as it notified the people of South Sudan of what was evidently an unlawful attempt by the Ministry of Interior, though its Directorate of National Traffic Police “, Ajak Mayal Bior, Chairperson of South Sudan Bar Association said in a statement seen by Nyamilepedia.
According to the Chairperson of South Sudan Bar Association, although the intention was good and it could bring reforms to the streets of Juba and South Sudan, the traffic act 2003, which regulates the work of Directorate of National Traffic Police doesn’t authorize the Directorate to legislate and implement such measures.
Bior said all Legislative powers fall under jurisdiction of the Parliament.
“.. The legislative powers are only vested in the National Parliament. The rates are set by the Parliament in the Financial Act 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”,the statement added.
The Bar Association calls the concerned Ministry to revisit its order or else it will go to court to sue the ordering authority.
“.. In this circumstance, the Bar Association urges the Minister of Interior to immediately suspend the Impugned and illegal order. We also urges the Minister to urgently issue an appropriate notice to this effect”, the statement emphasized.
” If this issue is not immediately corrected and in any event by close of business on Monday 14th of February 2022, the Bar Association will have no option but to move to court to seek conservatory order”, the statement warned.
The statement stressed that Bar Association is supporting reform and would be happy to help realize such reforms.
