JUBA — President Salva Kiir Mayardit has declared that South Sudan has fully established sovereignty over its national airspace following the launch of a new Advanced Air Traffic Management system and a modern control tower in Juba.
The announcement was made on Monday during the official inauguration of the system, which aviation authorities described as a major milestone in strengthening the country’s control and management of its skies.
Speaking at the event, President Kiir said the installation of the new system marks a turning point in South Sudan’s aviation history, asserting that the country now has full authority over its airspace, previously managed under external arrangements involving Sudan.
“We have reclaimed our sovereignty by taking control of our airspace. From today onwards, our airspace is in our hands,” Kiir said.
He emphasized that the system must operate without interruption, warning that any failure would compromise the country’s ability to safeguard its airspace.
“I am directing that this system work without interruption. We cannot afford to fail this system so that the control of our airspace is maintained,” he added.
The newly commissioned infrastructure includes South Sudan’s first fully integrated Advanced Air Traffic Management system and a modern control tower in Juba. Authorities say the system will significantly improve flight monitoring, air navigation services, and overall aviation safety.
Officials further noted that the system expands beyond the capital, with additional air navigation installations in Wau and Malakal to strengthen nationwide coverage and coordination of air traffic operations.
Dr Ayiei Garang Deng, Director General of the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority, said the technology positions South Sudan among the most advanced aviation systems in Africa.
“This system is one of the best and most advanced systems in Africa, and it includes an advanced air navigation system, one in Wau and another in Malakal,” he said.
He added that the system will improve aviation safety, regulatory oversight, and revenue collection across the sector.
“We have six radars; we have three primary radars and three secondary radars that make it a more advanced system in all of Africa. The country that is competing with us is South Africa,” he noted.
For years after independence, South Sudan’s upper airspace was managed under a transitional arrangement brokered by the International Civil Aviation Organization. The arrangement, initially expected to end in 2019, was extended due to delays in building domestic technical capacity.
