![South Sudan activist Edmund Yakani. [Photo courtesy]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/308548829_410561277872377_4047178223232952610_n.jpg?resize=1080%2C695&ssl=1)
The parliament, largely dominated by the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) party led by President Salva Kiir President Mayardit, with 332 members, approved the bill on Wednesday by a vote of 274 in favor, 114 against, and three abstentions.
The controversial articles 54 and 55, which empower the National Security Service (NSS) to detain suspects without warrants, were retained despite calls for reform.
CEPO specifically criticized lawmakers for ignoring directives from the presidency and cabinet of ministers, which called for the removal of these articles.
“The actions of some of our parliamentarians demonstrate behaviors of our previous oppressors and actors that like absolute marginalization of South Sudanese from enjoying their democratic and good governance rights,” CEPO’s Executive Director Edmund Yakani told Sudans Post following the vote.
Yakani further highlighted the contradiction between the parliament’s actions and the ongoing peace process led by Kenya. The group noted that reforming the National Security Service Act to comply with rule of law and human rights standards was a key agreement point at the talks in Nairobi.
“Under the High-level mediation for peace in South Sudan…the national security services act is agreed upon to be reviewed and reformed,” Yakani emphasized.
The civil society leader also condemned the denial of access to the parliamentary session for civil society and media representatives. Several members from five different organizations were detained for 40 minutes while attempting to observe the proceedings.
“This is a violation of the purpose why parliament is called the house of the people,” Yakani stated. “CEPO strongly condemns the denial of access for civil society and media to the parliamentary sessions.”
