Traffic boss Kon John Akot among senior officers promoted to three-star general

The national police service has promoted several senior officers, including traffic police chief General Kon John Akot, who recently sparked controversy with a series of traffic orders.

According to a document dated December 23, seen by Eye Radio, Major General Kon John Akot was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General in the police service alongside four other senior generals.

They include Major General Luis Gatkuot Luak, Major General Edward Dimitri Lokak, Major General Garang Akuei Diing Deng, and Major General Andrea Martin Hassan, who were all promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General.

The list also includes 11 Brigadier Generals promoted to Major General, while five Colonels were elevated to the rank of Brigadier General.

The promotion comes weeks after General Akot stirred public anger by issuing a string of controversial directives, including a ban on right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles, with owners given a seven-day ultimatum to convert their vehicles to left-hand drive or risk being taken off the road.

Under the same measures, public transport operators were instructed to ensure all passenger doors are positioned on the right side, in line with left-hand-drive traffic regulations.

The orders were later overturned by the Inspector General of Police and the Acting Minister of Interior.