The National Civil Society Coalition (NCSC) on Monday condemned the arrest of Angok, the former chairperson of the Amiol Gemdit Youth Association, describing his detention by the National Security Service as an abuse of controversial legal provisions that grant the agency powers to arrest and detain suspects without judicial oversight.
Angok was arrested on Friday after publicly criticizing the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) for failing to fulfill its political promises and provide basic services to citizens. He was later released.
In a statement dated June 22, NCSC Chairperson Bol Deng Bol said the incident demonstrated the dangers posed by Sections 54 and 55 of the National Security Service Act.
“Although Mr. Willy was eventually released, the unnecessary use of Article 54 and 55 to arrest and detain alleged suspects by the security intelligence institution is a clear threat to civic and political spaces and human rights,” the coalition said.
The organization argued that the provisions violate protections guaranteed under South Sudan’s Transitional Constitution as well as international human rights instruments, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention without judicial oversight.
The coalition warned that continued restrictions on freedom of expression could undermine ongoing democratic processes, including constitutional-making, civic and voter education, and preparations for future elections.
“The essence of the developing democratic exercises in the country, such as the constitutional-making process, civic and voter education and subsequent elections’ key milestones, would not be adequately realized if freedom of expression is restricted this much,” the statement said.
The NCSC urged members of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly to amend the law before the end of July by removing Sections 54 and 55 and restoring the National Security Service to its constitutional role as an intelligence-gathering institution.
The coalition said the agency should be limited to “information gathering, analysis and advice to relevant authorities,” arguing that such reforms would strengthen constitutional supremacy and improve the protection of human rights.
The National Security Service Act has remained one of South Sudan’s most controversial laws since its introduction in 2014. While the Transitional Constitution defines the NSS primarily as an intelligence body, the legislation granted the agency extensive law enforcement powers, including the authority to arrest and detain individuals.
In July 2024, lawmakers passed amendments to the Act that retained these powers despite opposition from civil society groups, opposition parties, and international partners. The amendments automatically became law in August 2024 after President Salva Kiir neither signed nor vetoed the bill within the constitutionally prescribed period.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly criticized Sections 54, 55, and 57 of the Act, arguing that they enable arbitrary arrests and detention under broadly defined offenses related to state security.
Critics also contend that the law has strengthened the NSS’s ability to monitor, censor, and detain journalists, activists, and political critics, raising concerns about the country’s readiness for democratic transition and credible elections.
The detention of Angok has now added fresh pressure on lawmakers to revisit the legislation as civil society groups warn that the continued use of the disputed provisions risks undermining public confidence in the political process and restricting civic participation.
