South Sudan’s Security Law Comes into Effect Automatically

South Sudan’s new security law has automatically come into force, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to strengthen its legal framework and maintain order amidst ongoing challenges.

Despite the fact that the president has not signed it yet, South Sudan’s contentious security bill that permits arrest without warrants has been passed as a law, according to Thursday’s pronouncement by parliament spokesperson.

According to spokesperson Oliver Mori, The Associated Press was informed that the bill has now become law due to constitutional regulations after a 30-day waiting period since it was delivered to President Salva Kiir on July 12th.

The law was left unsigned and unvetoed by the latter, leading to criticism from human rights activists and various countries. In July, nine Western envoys (which included representatives from Britain and the United States) stated that South Sudanese citizens should be allowed to participate in political activities without being subject to arbitrary arrests or intimidation by security personnel.

The first election under South Sudan’s transitional government, established after a 2018 peace agreement put an end to a devastating five-year civil war that claimed the lives of almost 400,000 individuals, is scheduled for December 22.

The government’s discussions with opposition factions who were not included in the 2018 peace agreement have become strained due to the latest legislation, which has emerged as a troublesome issue.

On Thursday, Yasmin Sooka, the head of UN Human Rights Commission in South Sudan pointed out that with this new law being implemented there would be an increase in security agencies’ authority to carry out “unjustifiable arrests and involuntary vanishing acts”.

She stated that the President and Parliament should promptly assess the situation and amend laws through democratic means to bolster credibility and legitimacy. The approval of this bill is, in fact, opposing South Sudan’s obligations towards both its citizens as well as international community.”

The executive director of a local rights group, the Center for Peace and Advocacy – Ter Manyang Gatwech has pledged to take legal action against the law. He stated that “due to its nature, this bill threatens our country directly and therefore no person can feel secure”. This statement was made while speaking with AP.

South Sudan’s transitional government was urged by Mathew Miller, a spokesperson for the US State Department last month, to promptly establish an atmosphere in which individuals can articulate their opinions freely and fearlessly.