By Bosco Bush
The contentious National Security Service Act 2014 (Amendment) Bill 2024 is ticking away, as the president’s office remains silent on the matter. With just 48 hours left until the bill automatically becomes law, tensions are running high.
The bill, which was passed by parliament and submitted to the President’s office for assent on July 12, 2024, retains clauses 54 and 55, among others. These clauses grant national security personnel the power to arrest and detain suspects without a warrant.
This has sparked widespread criticism, both domestically and internationally. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have argued that these powers are prone to abuse and incompatible with international human rights standards.
According to Article 85 (1) of the transitional constitution, the bill will automatically become law after 30 days from the time it was presented to the President and if the president does not take action.
As the clock ticks down, the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) has renewed its call for the President to terminate the bill before the 48-hour deadline expires.
The silence from the president’s office has only heightened the sense of unease and uncertainty surrounding the bill.
“CPA is disturbed by the lack of response from the President, Parliament, and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs regarding the NSS Bill,” partly read a statement seen by this outlet. “CPA has been diligently following up on the National Security Bill through the office of the National Parliament’s spokesperson.”
“However, the Bill is still with the President and has not been returned to the Houses for further deliberation or the removal of sections 13, 54, 55, and 57. These sections are considered dangerous to the public, including the President himself and the general populace.”
“CPA urgently calls on the President to send the bill back to the National Parliament within two days to prevent further harm caused by this legislation. Granting excessive powers to a single institution would be undesirable and a grave mistake if the President signs this bill into law or fails to provide official communication to the public,” it added.
Last month, the office of the President said Kiir would review the contentious National Security Amendment Act (2024) before deciding on signing them into law.
As President Kiir weighs the implications of signing the bills into law, stakeholders both within South Sudan and abroad await the outcome of this critical decision, which could significantly impact the country’s path towards stability and respect for human rights.
With the potential for it to become law without presidential assent, the people and organizations opposed to the bill are anxiously awaiting the President’s decision.