Kiir signs six key bills into law in major reform move

JUBA – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Monday signed into law six key pieces of legislation, a significant step in the country’s reform agenda and addressing the legacy of its 2013-2018 civil war.

Among the new laws is the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing Act 2024, which establishes a mechanism to investigate human rights abuses, war crimes, and other atrocities.

The commission will document these crimes, promote reconciliation, and recommend reparations for victims.

Other newly enacted laws include the Tourism Act 2024, Public Financial Management and Accountability Act 2011 (Amendment Act 2024), National Bureau of Statistics Act 2018 (Amendment Act 2024), Civil Aviation Authority Act 2012 (Amendment Act 2024), and the Compensation and Reparations Authority Act 2024.

Justice Minister Ruben Madol Arol Kachuol, who presented the bills to the president, expressed gratitude for their passage after extensive consultations with stakeholders.

Human rights activist Ter Manyang Gatwech, Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), welcomed the signing of the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing Act 2024.

“However, there is a need to expedite the appointment of seven commissioners so that these two commissions can be operationalized in the country,” Gatwech told Sudans Post following the signing into law of the bills.

He urged the Transitional Government of National Unity to appoint individuals without political affiliations to ensure the impartial functioning of the commissions.

“The country, like South Sudan, is deeply divided due to a series of wars, dating back to 1955, 1983, 2005, 2013, and 2016. It is crucial that victims and witnesses receive appropriate attention and have their testimonies heard,” Gatwech said.

He also called on the African Union to expedite the establishment of a hybrid court, emphasizing that without such a court, accountability would be compromised, and reconciliation efforts would be undermined.