Nairobi, July 8, 2024 – In a significant turn of events, four major opposition parties from South Sudan have announced their intention to potentially withdraw from the ongoing peace negotiations in Nairobi.
This announcement comes in response to two controversial decisions: the recent passage of the National Security Service Bill and the scheduling of national elections for December 22, 2024.
The opposition parties involved are Real-SPLM, South Sudan United Front (SSUF), South Sudan People’s Movement (SSPM), and the National Agenda for South Sudan Revolutionary Command Council (NAS).
They are led by prominent figures Pagan Amum, Paul Malong Awn, Stephen Buay Rolnyang, and General Mario Loku, respectively.
These leaders have expressed strong objections to the new legislation and the timing of the elections, arguing that these moves could undermine the ongoing peace efforts and lead to further instability in the country.
The National Security Service Bill, passed last Wednesday, has sparked considerable debate and concern among opposition parties.
According to the bill, the National Intelligence Service in South Sudan will have expanded powers to search, arrest, detain, and monitor citizens without the need for warrants.
This measure is seen by opposition leaders as a dangerous expansion of government power, which they fear could pave the way for a new era of authoritarian rule.
Speaking to the Sudan Post, the opposition leaders warned that such powers could easily be abused, leading to widespread human rights violations and further entrenching the government’s control over its citizens.
Pagan Amum, a prominent opposition leader, stated, “The many crises facing South Sudan are deeply rooted in bad governance and human rights violations.
There is no agency in South Sudan that has deviated from its constitutional mandate more than the National Security Service.”
Amum and his colleagues argue that the National Intelligence Service has a history of overstepping its boundaries, and the new bill could exacerbate this issue.
They question why the South Sudanese Parliament, which is supposed to represent the interests of the people, would pass legislation that could significantly infringe upon citizens’ rights and freedoms.
In addition to their objections to the security bill, the opposition parties are deeply troubled by the recent announcement from the National Elections Commission, which has set December 22, 2024, as the date for the next national elections.
The opposition leaders claim that this decision was made without proper consultation and is not in the best interest of the ongoing peace talks.
They argue that rushing into elections at this stage could overshadow the peace negotiations currently taking place in Nairobi.
These talks, mediated by Kenyan President William Ruto, are seen as a crucial opportunity to address the underlying political and social issues that have plagued South Sudan for years.
“Our position is that neither the extension nor the scheduling of elections is warranted at the moment, especially as we are deeply engaged in peace talks in Nairobi,” said Paul Malong Awn, leader of the South Sudan United Front.
“The Tumaini Initiative is the only mechanism which can usher in a new political dispensation and hold the first democratic elections in the country.”
The opposition parties believe that before any legitimate elections can be conducted, it is essential to establish a democratic permanent constitution through an inclusive National Constitutional Conference.
They argue that this process is necessary to create a fair and transparent electoral framework, which is crucial for ensuring that future elections are conducted in a free and peaceful manner.
The opposition leaders have called on the international community to support their stance and pressure the South Sudanese government to halt any unilateral actions that could undermine the peace process.
They emphasize the need for a collaborative approach to establishing a stable and democratic political system in South Sudan.
“We urge the international community to support the peace talks and ensure that President Salva Kiir does not make unilateral decisions that could derail the negotiations,” said Stephen Buay Rolnyang of the South Sudan People’s Movement.
“The people of South Sudan demand to restore their right to elect their government in periodic, free, fair, and peaceful elections.”
The opposition parties believe that achieving a peaceful resolution through the ongoing negotiations is the best way to address the deep-rooted issues facing South Sudan.
They argue that without a solid political foundation, any attempt to hold elections could lead to further conflict and instability.
The threat of withdrawal by these opposition parties poses a significant challenge to the peace talks in Nairobi.
These negotiations, which have been seen as a critical step towards resolving South Sudan’s ongoing conflicts, could be jeopardized if the opposition parties follow through on their threat to pull out.
President William Ruto, who is mediating the talks, faces the difficult task of addressing the concerns raised by the opposition while also maintaining momentum towards a peaceful resolution.
The outcome of these discussions could have far-reaching implications for South Sudan’s political future and its prospects for lasting peace and stability.
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