By Majur Chol Khor
In a strong statement issued by Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), concerns were raised over the reported restriction of movement affecting the Right Honorable First Deputy Speaker of the National Legislative Assembly. The incident has sparked controversy and garnered attention as conflicting evidence regarding the purpose behind the restriction has emerged.
Yakani expressed disappointment and condemnation, calling the alleged restrictions a violation of civic and political space in South Sudan. He highlighted the need for trust and confidence among leaders to work together towards transitioning the country from instability to stability, emphasizing the importance of safety and security for all citizens.
The call to action directed at leaders across various capacities urged them to address their deficit in trust and confidence, ensuring that political grievances do not escalate tensions or trigger further violence. Yakani emphasized the impact of such actions on the public’s perception of leadership and the urgency for leaders to prioritize peaceful resolutions to differences.
As South Sudan navigates its extended transitional period, Yakani’s appeal resonated with a plea for unity and dialogue to avoid regressing into past hardships, such as displacement and divisions among the populace. The message underscored the shared responsibility of leaders to foster an environment of peace and stability, restoring trust and confidence among citizens in the political transition process.
In response to the accusations surrounding the alleged obstruction of Rt. Hon. Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, the First Deputy Speaker of the Revitalized Transitional National Legislative Assembly (R-TNLA), the National Security Service (NSS) issued a press release on September 25th, 2024, from the Internal Security Bureau Public Relations Department at the General Headquarters.
The NSS clarified that its mandate, as outlined under section 13(3) of the NSS Act, 2014, is aimed at maintaining security, protecting the constitution, and ensuring the safety of South Sudanese citizens from any internal or external threats. Part of this responsibility includes overseeing the security and safety of airport travelers, particularly high-ranking government officials, to prevent security breaches and maintain order.
The NSS press release revealed that Rt. Hon. Oyet Nathaniel Pierino failed to provide official travel permission or leave documentation from the R-TNLA as required by standard procedures. Instead, Pierino allegedly issued a “self-permitted” leave document, which was deemed unauthorized and a breach of protocol by airport security agents. According to NSS regulations, such permissions are typically granted by the Speaker of the R-TNLA, not by individual members.
The NSS characterized Pierino’s actions as unilateral, insubordinate, and potentially undermining the authority of the Speaker of the R-TNLA. The service emphasized that the decision to label the NSS and its Director-General as infringing upon fundamental rights and freedom of movement on social media was unlawful and misaligned with its mission and vision.
Consequently, the NSS urged the public to view Pierino’s behavior as an act of insubordination and cautioned against negative perceptions aimed at diverting attention from the authority and administration of the NSS and the Internal Security Bureau as a whole.
As the situation continues to unfold, stakeholders are closely monitoring developments to ascertain the implications and potential outcomes of these recent events on the political landscape and governance structures in the country.