South Sudan’s security legislation, allowing arrests without warrants, has become law despite the president not signing it, said parliament’s spokesperson on Thursday.
The bill automatically became law after 30 days as per the constitution.
The bill, presented to President Salva Kiir on July 12, became law after he neither signed nor vetoed it.
This move has faced strong criticism from human rights groups and Western nations, including the U.S. and Britain, who emphasized citizens’ rights.
South Sudan is set for its first election on Dec. 22 under the transitional government formed by the 2018 peace deal.
The new law, however, has sparked disputes between the government and opposition factions excluded from the peace process.
Yasmin Sooka, chair of the U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, warned the law could lead to more arbitrary detentions and disappearances.
She urged the government to reassess the law, stressing it contradicts South Sudan’s international commitments.
Ter Manyang Gatwech, director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy, vowed to challenge the law in court, calling it a national threat.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller also urged the government to ensure citizens can express views freely.
