S. Sudan parliament passes security bill amid protests
October 08, 2014 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s parliament has unanimously passed a new national security bill in its fourth and final reading on Wednesday despite a walk-out by opposition members and a section of ruling party lawmakers.
The bill gives security agents the power to arrest suspects without a warrant, although they must appear in court within 24 hours.
Onyoti Adigo, of the opposition SPLM-DC, said the sitting should have been adjourned for at least 72 hours, as stipulated in the parliamentary code of business conduct, to give MPs more time to read amendments made to the bill.
“As the official opposition in this parliament, I requested that this has to be suspended, but the ruling party (SPLM) is saying no, because they have been sitting on it and they know what is happening. We are going to leave the house and you remain discussing. We will not be [a part] of it,” said Adigo prior to walking out in protest, along with other SPLM-DC MPs.
About 20 MPs representing Eastern, Central and Western Equatoria states also questioned the parliamentary proceedings and before leaving the house.
The group, led by Eastern Equatoria MP Hentry Odua, told reporters outside parliament that the bill gives security agents sweeping powers.
“The speaker bulldozed [the proceeding and] they are going to push through a controversial bill to govern this country,” said Odua.
“I think that leaves a lot to say about which direction this country is going,” he added.
Meanwhile, Samuel Duwar Deng, the chairperson of the parliamentary committee for defence, security and public order, who presented the bill to MPs, applauded its passing.
“It is actually very good. It is joyful to the people of South Sudan and to the [national security] service itself, because from here we will be assured the work of the service will be running smoothly,” Duwar told reporters after MPs passed the bill.
Salva Mathok, an SPLM MP from Warrap state, says MPs who walked out did so as is their right, adding their decision should not be interpreted as meaning the parliament is sharply divided.
“Any member of parliament who is discontented with that item or agenda being discussed can just go out and it is not a new thing,” he said.
“Even myself, if I was not in [support of] that line I would have even walked out with them,” he added.
The bill now has to be signed by president Salva Kiir in order to be passed into law.
(ST)