Opposition slams SPLM for refusal to amend national security bill

The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in opposition (SPLM-IO) on Wednesday criticized the SPLM party led by President Salva Kiir for blocking calls for amendment of controversial sections of the National Security Bill 2014, Amended Bill 2023.

 Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, the Deputy Chairperson for SPLM-IO and also the First Deputy Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly said that bill now in it’s third reading before the national legislative assembly still contains section 54 and 55 which give National Security Services unfettered powers to arrest or detain with or without warrant.

Pierino was speaking during press conference held at the national legislative assembly in Juba.

In March 2023, the parties to the 2018 revitalized peace agreement revoked section 54 and 55 which give the NSS sweeping powers to arrest or detain with or without warrant.

Pierino disclosed that parliament was supposed to proceed with the enactment of the National Security Service bill to conform its provisions to the 2018 revitalized peace agreement.

“The parliament was expected to proceed with the enactment of the national security service bill in its third reading stage in order to reform and bring its provision into conformity with the agreement,” he said.

 John Agany Deng, the spokesman for the Transitional National Legislative Assembly said the bill that was scrutinized by the Committee for National Security and Public Order is already in its third reading.