South Sudan peace talks endangered by new security law ahead of first election

In South Sudan, peace talks aimed at finalizing an agreement faced a setback as opposition groups demanded the removal of a newly passed bill allowing detention without an arrest warrant before signing the proposed deal. The high-level meetings, hosted by Kenya since May, involved government representatives and rebel opposition groups not part of the 2018 peace agreement that ended a five-year civil war, resulting in significant casualties and displacement. Despite previous agreements, violence continued in the country of 9 million. Pagan Amum Okiech, representing the South Sudan Opposition Movement Alliance, emphasized the need to reject the National Security Act, recently approved by parliament and pending President Salva Kiir's approval within 30 days, ahead of the upcoming election on Dec. 22. Critics, including Edmund Yakani from the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, a non-profit engaging youth, condemned the security bill for hindering negotiations and violating citizens' rights. Human Rights Watch also urged Kiir to reject the bill, warning of further human rights violations and empowerment of security agencies with a history of abuses. The talks, known as Tumaini (Swahili for hope), produced a draft agreement proposing to extend the transitional period, delay the election, finalize the constitution and electoral laws, establish constituency borders, and form a unified security force as outlined in the 2018 peace talks. Some Western envoys recommended postponing the election to ensure fairness, but Kiir remained firm on the December date, challenging the envoys' stance. The opposition's insistence on removing the controversial security law highlights deep-rooted concerns about human rights violations and the impact on democratic processes in South Sudan. The ongoing negotiations, marred by this issue, underscore the challenges in achieving lasting peace and stability in a country plagued by conflict and political turmoil. As the deadline for President Kiir's decision on the bill approaches, the outcome will significantly influence the trajectory of the peace process and the upcoming election, with implications for the country's future direction and prospects for democratic governance.