JUBA – South Sudan’s newly appointed Director-General of the Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passports, and Immigration, Lt. Gen. Achol Cyier Rehan, on Monday pledged to tackle passport delays, improve service delivery, and strengthen the fight against corruption.
Gen. Achol made the commitment while taking over the directorate on Monday in Juba, promising to build on the progress made by her predecessor while addressing challenges affecting citizens seeking government documents.
“This directorate is not only a dimensional body; it is the custodian of identity, citizenship, and a gateway through which our nation engages with the world. Subsequently, this directorate is entrusted with safeguarding the identity of our nation, our citizens,” Achol said.
Gen. Achol said the institution is responsible for protecting the identity of citizens and controlling the movement of people across South Sudan’s borders.
She said more than one million people seek services from the Directorate every year.
“Every year, over one million citizens rally on our director for identity documents that nearly one in ten South Sudanese need. A few months ago, I met a young student who waited for a month for her passport, and her dream was to study abroad. But her future depends on our efficiency.”
She made the fight against corruption a central pillar of her reform agenda.
“Our policy priorities are institutional integrity. We will strengthen transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption measures. Every certificate, passport, and permit must be issued with fairness and integrity,” she said.
She also promised to improve the directorate’s digital systems to reduce long queues, delays, and fraud.
“Digital modernization technology will be enhanced to streamline registration, reduce delays, and combat fraud. Digital platforms will enhance efficiency and citizen trust,” she said, adding that “capacity building. Officers and staff receive continuous training in professional ethics, customs service, and border management. A skilled workforce is the backbone of reform.”
The new immigration chief also promised to train officers in professional ethics, customer service, and border management.
“Border security. Immigration is not only about the movement but also about safeguarding sovereignty. We will ensure that our borders remain open to lawful travel, yet secure again.”
She said immigration officers have a dual responsibility — making travel easier for legitimate travelers while protecting South Sudan from security threats.
“In international cooperation, we shall strengthen cooperation with regional and global partners to harmonize standards, share intelligence, and facilitate law travel,” she said.
“Additionally, an aspiration appeal identified is more than a document. It is the dignity of belonging when a child receives a birth certificate, when a citizen obtains a passport, or when a visitor enters lawfully.”
Gen. Achol also pledged to strengthen cooperation with regional and international partners to improve immigration standards, share information, and make international travel easier.
She pledged to lead the institution without tribal discrimination, emphasizing fairness, inclusivity, and equal treatment for all.
“To assure you, as a leader and as a mother, I have not come to restructure, replace, neglect, or discriminate,” she said.
“I ask everyone to feel at ease in the workplace and to perform efficiently unless otherwise. I neither have a group nor a tribe in this directory.”
She urged officers and staff to work together and feel comfortable in their workplace as they serve the public.
Lt. Gen. Achol Cyier Rehan was appointed by President Salva Kiir Mayardit on August 9, 2026, replacing Maj. Gen. Ellia Kosta, who had headed the Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passports, and Immigration since February 2025.
Lt. Gen. Achol has become the first woman to head the directorate, marking another significant milestone in her leadership career within the South Sudan National Police Service.
