Western Diplomatic Missions Express Concern Over South Sudan’s National Security Bill
Recent developments in South Sudan have drawn the attention of Western diplomatic missions in Juba, who are expressing grave concern over the Transitional National Legislative Assembly’s passage of legislation that grants the National Security Service (NSS) authority to conduct arrests and detentions without warrants.
In a joint statement, the Embassies of Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States emphasized that this bill represents a significant setback in terms of political and civic space, which is crucial for the upcoming elections to be genuine and peaceful.
The diplomatic missions are urging South Sudan to uphold the rights of its citizens to participate freely in political and civic expression without the fear of arbitrary arrest or intimidation by security personnel. They highlight the importance of ensuring a transparent and inclusive political environment during this critical period.
This contentious National Security Act 2014 (Amendment) Bill of 2024 has sparked widespread concern and is awaiting President Salva Kiir’s approval. The provisions allowing National Security officers to arrest and detain individuals without a warrant have raised considerable alarm over potential abuses of power and violations of human rights.
As South Sudan prepares for its first-ever election on December 22, the international community is closely monitoring the situation and urging authorities to respect fundamental freedoms and uphold democratic principles throughout the electoral process.