The National Assembly failed to reach a quorum for today’s vote on a contentious National Security bill. The legislation would require security officers to take an oath of obedience before President Salva Kiir.

The bill would give national security agents the authority to secretly arrest anyone without warrant. It would also allow security operatives to prevent detainees from contacting their families or lawyers after they are arrested if the communication is determined to “prejudice progress of any inquiry or investigation of the case.”

One MP, who decined to be named, told Radio Tamazuj that passing the bill into law in its current form would be like “hanging yourself to death.” He said there are some provisions that require serious review or else the entire country will be under threat.

“What happened to our current constitution – let me call it John Luk’s constitution” – after the former Justice Minister – “which empowered and has mandated the president with more power. And now we have seen the result has plunged the country into deep crisis. The same thing happened before and should not repeat itself again here.”

Lawmakers had already delayed a recess scheduled to start last Thursday to give them time to possibly revise and pass the legislation. 

National Assembly officials say today’s vote was postponed to allow Muslim members to continue their Eid al-Adha celebrations. The vote was rescheduled for tomorrow.

File photo: President Salva Kiir with Gen. Paul Malong (left) and Gen. Marial Chanuong (center)

Related: 

Bill requires South Sudan secret police to swear obedience (6 Oct.)

South Sudan president praises allied armed groups (3 Sept.)