Critic calls for disbanding NSS after ex-mayor’s arrest

JUBA – Exiled journalist and critic Wani Michael has demanded the “total disbandment” of South Sudan’s National Security Service (NSS) following the arrest of former Juba City Mayor Kalisto Lado.

He condemns the NSS for alleged human rights abuses and exceeding its constitutional mandate.

Lado’s detention has sparked public outcry and calls for his release. Michael, via social media, argued that the NSS is an intelligence agency, not a law enforcement body with powers to detain individuals.

“The National Security Service is an intelligence agency not a branch or unit of the Police. They don’t have any Constitutional Mandate to detain any accused person as framed by the PRINCIPAL Article 159(3) of the Constitution,” Wani wrote in the post on X.

“Besides, the National Security Service is supposed to deal with intelligence information gathering relating to crimes against the State,” he added.

The activist criticized the NSS for involvement in matters outside of its scope.

“But you even see people with petty criminal matters and social issues like girlfriend or relationship matters taken to those notorious detention centers,” he said.

He finds the NSS’s actions violate the South Sudanese constitution and international human rights law.

“At this stage, it is important to push for the total disbandment of this notorious institution that has total disrespect to the Constitution, rule of law and fundamental international recognized human rights instruments South Sudan is signatory to them,” he declared.