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WITHHOLD ASSENDING TO THE CYBERCRIME BILL PRESIDENT KIIR URGED

Civil Society Urges President Kiir to Withhold Assent to Cybercrime Bill Pending Further Review

A Civil society activist is calling on President Salva Kiir to refrain from signing the recently passed Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Bill into law until comprehensive reviews and consultations are conducted.

According to Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), the bill in its current form poses significant risks to civic space, digital freedoms, and the protection of human rights online.

Yakani stressed that several provisions of the bill are “vague and open to misinterpretation,” warning that they could easily be used to criminalize legitimate online expression, investigative journalism, or public criticism. He further emphasized the need for an inclusive review process that brings together lawmakers, legal experts, civil society organizations, and digital rights advocates to ensure the legislation aligns with democratic principles and international human rights standards.

“I urge the President to revisit the recent past Cybercrime and computer misuse bill and not sign it into law as its on its way to the his Office for signing.It has some clues that actually reinforce possible escalation of cybercrime. But also it has some clues that it is likely to be abused. For example, a person’s name may affect the personality of the individual. For instance, this concept that because of cybercrime or misuse of computers, you can be arrested without a warrant. That can be partly abused during elections*, Yakani Stressed.

CEPO and its partners are advocating for clearer definitions, stronger safeguards against abuse, and explicit protections for freedom of expression and privacy.

The call comes amid rising concerns from media practitioners, youth groups, and human rights defenders who argue that the bill, if enacted in its current state, could undermine digital engagement and silence critical voices in the country.