JUBA – The South Sudanese government has officially begun implementing the Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Act, 2026, a controversial law that authorities say is intended to strengthen cybersecurity and combat online crime but which critics warn could be used to suppress dissent and restrict freedom of expression.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Office of the President said the operationalization of the law follows Presidential Directive No. 03/2026 and is aimed at protecting critical digital infrastructure, improving cybersecurity, and safeguarding the country’s democratic process ahead of the December 2026 general elections.
The announcement comes days after the National Cyber-Security Task Force held its first operational meeting on 16 July to coordinate implementation of the legislation through inter-agency cooperation and technical collaboration.
According to the presidency, the task force is a multi-agency technical committee responsible for coordinating the implementation of cybersecurity laws and enhancing collaboration among government institutions in preventing, investigating, and responding to cyber threats. It is headed by the Deputy Director General of the Internal Security Bureau (ISB) of the National Security Service (NSS).
Policy oversight will be provided by the National Cyber-Security Steering Committee, chaired by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
The committee brings together senior government officials, including the ministers of Information, Interior, and Finance, the Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, senior National Security Service officials, the Director General of the National Communication Authority, the Managing Director of the Media Authority, and representatives of the Financial Intelligence Unit.
The government described the Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Act as a comprehensive legal framework designed to address cybercrime while promoting responsible use of digital platforms.
Among its key provisions, Section 42 criminalizes the publication and dissemination of online content deemed to promote tribalism, incite violence, or threaten national security.
Section 44 prohibits the publication of false or misleading information that damages reputations, undermines public confidence, or causes public panic. Other provisions prescribe penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment for offences including cyberbullying and cyber harassment.
The presidency said enforcement of the Act will be carried out within the constitutional and statutory framework, with primary administrative, investigative, and prosecutorial responsibilities assigned to the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services, working alongside the National Cyber-Security Task Force and other state institutions.
The government argues that the law will strengthen digital governance, enhance national security, protect citizens from cyber-enabled crimes, and promote a safer online environment as South Sudan prepares for its planned elections later this year.
However, the legislation has already attracted criticism from civil society organisations, digital rights advocates, and media freedom groups, who argue that several of its provisions are broadly worded and could be used to criminalize legitimate criticism of the government, restrict independent journalism, and silence political opponents.
Critics have expressed particular concern over offences related to “undesirable” online content and the publication of “false or misleading information,” warning that the absence of clear legal definitions could leave the provisions open to selective enforcement.
They have urged authorities to ensure that implementation of the law respects constitutional guarantees on freedom of expression and complies with international human rights standards.
