In 2023, South Sudan made a major push to reform its aviation legal framework, aiming to modernize outdated laws and align its regulatory practices with international aviation standards. As one of Africa’s youngest nations, South Sudan’s aviation sector has long struggled under legacy legal systems, limited institutional capacity, and safety concerns. The new reforms mark a key step toward improving oversight, attracting investment, and expanding air connectivity in the country and across the East African region.
Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has relied heavily on inherited aviation laws from Sudan, many of which were inconsistent with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This created significant regulatory gaps, particularly in areas like aircraft registration, accident investigation, licensing, and air navigation services.
Moreover, safety oversight by the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (SSCAA) was hampered by limited technical expertise and insufficient legal authority. ICAO audits consistently flagged these issues as key risks to the safe operation of air transport in the country.
Recognizing the urgent need for reform, the Ministry of Transport initiated a multi-year legislative overhaul in collaboration with ICAO, the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), and legal experts from neighboring countries.
Major Changes Introduced in 2023
- New Civil Aviation Act: The South Sudan Parliament passed a comprehensive Civil Aviation Act in June 2023. The law establishes the SSCAA as an autonomous regulator with clear mandates on safety oversight, licensing, and economic regulation.
- Alignment with ICAO SARPs: The revised legal framework integrates ICAO’s Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) into domestic law, including regulations on airworthiness, personnel licensing, and air traffic services.
- Accident Investigation Authority: The law also creates an independent Air Accident Investigation Bureau, separate from the aviation regulator, to ensure transparency and compliance with Annex 13 of ICAO.
- Air Operator Certification: A new system was introduced for granting and monitoring Air Operator Certificates (AOCs), including stricter requirements on safety management systems, financial viability, and aircraft maintenance.
- Consumer Protection Provisions: For the first time, the law includes rules on passenger rights, mandating compensation for delays, lost baggage, and cancellations, aligning South Sudan with regional consumer protection trends.
Institutional Strengthening and Training
To support implementation, the SSCAA received technical assistance and training from Kenya’s CAA and Uganda’s CAA. This included setting up a licensing department, building electronic registries for aircraft and personnel, and training inspectors in ICAO audit procedures.
The government also secured a $15 million grant from the World Bank to support regulatory modernization and human resource development in the civil aviation sector.
Impact and Industry Response
The reforms have been broadly welcomed by both regional and international stakeholders. Airlines like Uganda Airlines and Kenya Airways have expressed interest in increasing flights to Juba, citing improved safety assurance and regulatory clarity.
Local aviation schools are expanding training programs for pilots and engineers, encouraged by the government’s commitment to professional standards.
South Sudan’s improved compliance score on ICAO’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) rose from 27% in 2022 to 52% in late 2023—a major achievement for the young regulator.
Challenges and Next Steps
Despite the legislative success, implementation remains uneven. The SSCAA continues to face shortages of skilled staff, especially inspectors and airworthiness officers. The infrastructure supporting regulatory work—such as digital databases and communication tools—needs further investment.
There are also concerns about political interference, particularly in decisions related to licenses and route rights. Civil society groups have called for transparency measures and stronger accountability mechanisms to ensure independence of the SSCAA and the new accident investigation body.
Looking forward, South Sudan aims to join regional regulatory forums under the East African Community and the African Civil Aviation Commission to foster continuous learning and harmonization.
In a nutshell
South Sudan’s 2023 aviation law reforms mark a transformative moment in the country’s civil aviation development. By establishing clear legal authority, aligning with global norms, and improving institutional capacity, the country is laying the groundwork for a safer, more competitive, and investor-friendly air transport sector. Sustained support and vigilance will be necessary to ensure that these reforms deliver long-term benefits for both the industry and the public.
