Kiir appoints first female immigration director general

JUBA, August 6, 2026 — President Salva Kiir Mayardit has relieved Major General Elia Kosta as Director General of Civil Registry, Immigration, Passports and Nationality and appointed Lieutenant General Achol Cyier Rehan as his replacement.

The changes were announced in a presidential decree broadcast on the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) on Wednesday night.

Lt. Gen. Achol becomes the first woman to head the Directorate of Civil Registry, Immigration, Passports and Nationality, marking another milestone for women’s leadership in South Sudan’s public service.

She previously made history as the first woman to serve as Commissioner of Gogrial West County and later became the first female officer in the South Sudan National Police Service to attain the rank of Lieutenant General.

Her appointment comes as the government seeks to strengthen the management of civil registration, immigration services and border administration as part of broader efforts to improve public service delivery and institutional efficiency.

The presidency did not provide reasons for the removal of Major General Elia Kosta, who had served as Director General for several years.