Kiir to ‘further study’ controversial security bill

JUBA – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit will further study a recently passed controversial security bill that has sparked local and international criticism, the presidency said in a statement on Friday.

Parliament passed the National Security Service Act (Amendment Bill 2024) on July 3, retaining sections granting the agency broad powers of monitoring, search, arrest and detention without warrants.

The bill has drawn condemnation from Western nations, human rights groups, and local civil society organizations.

The United States and its allies called the law “regrettable” and warned it would undermine efforts to open political space.

Rights groups say it could be used to target dissent.

The presidency said Kiir received four bills, including the security amendment, and would consult with the justice minister and legal advisors before making a decision.

“The Speaker of the Revitalized Transitional National Legislative Assembly … submitted four important Bills to President Salva Kiir Mayardit for accession and signing into laws,” the statement said.

“The President is expected to meet with the Minister of Justice and his legal team to further study the Bills before signing them into laws,” it added.

Other bills submitted for Kiir’s consideration include a road finance agreement with Ethiopia, a trade treaty with China, and the Nile Basin Cooperative Framework agreement.