National Parliament Passes NSS Act Despite Presidential Directives, Civil Society Outcry

In a surprising move today, the National Parliament retained the National Security Service’s power to arrest without a warrant, despite directives from the presidency and the national council of ministers. The decision has sparked outrage among civil society groups, with concerns raised about human rights violations and the rule of law.

According to Mr. Yakani, a prominent figure in civil society, the actions of the lawmakers undermine the directives of the presidency and council of ministers, as well as the voices of the citizens they represent. He emphasized the need for reform in the NSS Act to align with international standards and human rights principles enshrined in the constitution.

Mr. Edmund highlighted the agreement reached under the Tumiani Initiative for the review and reform of the NSS Act to ensure compliance with rule of law and human rights standards. He criticized the parliamentarians for their actions, likening them to past oppressors who marginalized the South Sudanese people.

Civil society members were reportedly denied access to the parliamentary session where the NSS Act was passed, leading to brief detentions of activists. CEPO strongly condemned this violation of access rights, highlighting the importance of transparency and public participation in legislative processes.

The controversial passage of the NSS Act has raised concerns about the commitment to democratic governance and respect for human rights in South Sudan. As the country prepares for national elections, the actions of the parliamentarians will be closely scrutinized by citizens and advocacy groups.