(Juba, South Sudan) – The Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) would like to express its appreciation to the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) for removing the previous gate restriction at the main entrance of the National Parliament.
This appreciation comes after members of the South Sudan Civil Society Forum (SSCSF) met yesterday with the Specialized Committee on Peace and Reconciliation to discuss two bills: the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH) and the Compensation and Reparation Authority (CRA). Members of the Civil Society Forum (SSCSF) had a productive meeting at the National Parliament, where they advocated for incorporating citizen views and public hearings before the third and final readings of the two bills.
The executive director of CPA, who was among the representatives of civil society organizations (CSOs), observed the changes at the gate yesterday. There was no longer harassment, intimidation, or restrictions imposed by the elements of the National Security Service (NSS).
When I arrived at around 1:40 pm and approached the main gate of the parliament, the gate attendant asked me, “Where are you going?” I informed the woman at the gate that I was attending a meeting with the members of the Committee for Peace and Reconciliation. The lady simply opened the gate for me, allowing me to enter without being checked or harassed.
CPA has noted that these changes have come about as a result of the advocacy efforts made by CSOs in the country, who have been pushing for easier access to the parliament gate. CPA urges the Right Honorable Speaker to remove the NSS personnel from the gate and deploy only National Police Officers. This is a positive step towards promoting the rule of law, human rights, freedom of expression, assembly, and association, and signifies the country’s progress towards a more mature stage.
CPA believes that yesterday’s positive developments will encourage citizens to visit their Members of Parliament (MPs), who have lost the trust of the public due to such restrictions. The parliament is a public place that should be accessible to citizens who wish to observe its activities and attend sessions.
Let our parliament continue with a positive spirit in order to regain the trust of the public and citizens.
