South Sudan rights group welcomes presidency decision to reduce NSS powers

JUBA, FEBRUARY 27, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – The South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network (SSHRDN) has welcomed the recent decision of the Presidency to scrap the powers of the National Security Service to arrest without a warrant.

On 21st February, President Salva Kiir and his first deputy, Dr. Riek Machar agreed to scrap a controversial law that allows the National Security Services (NSS) to arrest people without an arrest warrant, Cabinet Affairs Minister, Dr. Martin Elia Lumoro.

The two leaders scraped sections 54 and 55 which permit the National Security officers to arrest without a warrant.

The National Security Service Act, 2014 which was amended in September 2019, allows security agents virtually unfettered authority to arrest and detain suspects, monitor communications, and search and seize property.

James Bidal, National Coordinator of SSHRDN said the Human rights defenders have faulted the 2014 National Security Service Act which gives the Nation Security powers to arrest, detain conduct searchers and seize property without adequate safeguards.

“The scrapping of the two sections comes at a time when so many arrests, often arbitrary ones, have been made in violation of human rights,” Bidal said in a statement extended to Sudans Post on Monday.

Bidal said the National Security Service’s constitutional mandate is limited to information gathering, analysis, and advice to the relevant authorities.

He said Human rights organizations have documented human rights violations by the NSS including arbitrary arrests and prolonged detention, of political opponents and government critics.

“We, therefore, applaud the President and the First Vice President for this positive step that we believe will reduce human rights violations by the NSS.”

“The review and scrapping of these sections come at a time when the country is gearing up for key political events inclusive of the forthcoming constitution-making process and general elections, events when the freedom of expression, association, and assembly is especially critical.”

He said they are looking forward to the swift amendment of the 2014 NSS Act.

“We look forward to the swift amendment of the 2014 NSS Act and we will continue to advocate for the rule of law in South Sudan as a core tenet of democracy and governance,” he said.