A recent physical altercation between Members of Parliament and security personnel in South Sudan has led to public outrage, with many believing that some soldiers are acting with impunity.
According to Oliver Mori Benjamin, the Spokesperson of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, a female MP and a male colleague were assaulted by guards at the Dr. John Garang Mausoleum for allegedly using the road. The incident occurred as three national MPs were using the road to reach the National Legislative Assembly.
Mori condemned the incident and assured that the assembly does not condone such behavior. He promised to address the issue through the parliamentary committee on security and public order.
The Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), Ter Manyang, also condemned the assault, emphasizing the importance of sensitization on the role of MPs. He called for accountability for those responsible for assaulting lawmakers.
This incident is not the first of its kind, with a similar assault on a lawmaker reported last year. The transitional constitution of South Sudan provides immunity for members of the National Legislative Assembly, but allows for immunity to be waived in case of serious crimes.