The National Security Service’s authority to make arrests and detain people without a warrant would be strengthened under legislation that the US has joined the parliament of South Sudan in opposing.

The U.S. Department of State Spokesperson stated in a statement on Thursday that the law’s adoption will worsen South Sudan’s political and civic environment.

Spokesman Matthew Miller encouraged the transitional administration to move quickly to establish a safe space where South Sudanese citizens can freely and fearlessly voice their opinions.

The request was made in response to serious concerns voiced by Western diplomatic missions in Juba regarding legislation passed by the Transitional National Legislative Assembly that grants the National Security Service (NSS) the ability to make arrests and detain people without a warrant.

The United States, the United Kingdom, the French, German, Dutch, Norwegian, Swedish, and Canadian embassies all stated in a joint statement on Wednesday that the bill would “constitute a significant step away from the opening of political and civic space, which is a prerequisite for genuine and peaceful elections to take place.”

The National Security Act 2014 (Amendment) Bill 2024 was approved by the South Sudanese parliament last week; President Salva Kiir must sign it into law within 30 days.

The bill’s sections 54 and 55 provide National Security personnel the authority to detain and arrest anyone accused of committing a crime against the state without a warrant.

Since section 7 of the bill defines these offenses very broadly and leniently, numerous people have been arrested and detained for lawful civic and political activity. Even though it’s required, detainees are rarely brought before judges within the allotted 24-hour period.

This is in advance of the inaugural election of the nation on December 22.