South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
The Transitional National Legislative Assembly passed the long-awaited Cybercrimes and Computer Misuse Bill, 2025, on Tuesday, aimed at bolstering the country’s digital security and combating online crime.
The bill was presented for its third reading by Oliver Mori Benjamin, chairperson of the Standing Specialized Committee on Information, Communication, Technology and Postal Services.
Speaking to the media after the bill’s passage, Mori, who also serves as the assembly’s spokesperson, emphasised the importance of regulating digital spaces and addressing online offences in the world’s youngest nation.
“Someone may decide to spread misinformation or mislead the community from wherever they are, thinking that because they are speaking on social media, they are free to do so,” Mori stated.
He indicated that the bill will hold individuals accountable for disseminating misinformation and damaging the reputations of others.
“With the rise of e-money in our financial transactions, and as we all use mobile phones, someone can hack into a phone and, while you are sending money through Momo or any other service, they can intercept it and steal your money,” he explained.
“This bill enables us to trace such individuals, apprehend them, and bring them to justice.”
Bol Toby Maduot, a Member of Parliament from Warrap State, highlighted the importance of establishing a National Cybercrime Agency to tackle online crime.
“This unit was originally under the NCA, but now, with the bill, it has been moved to the Minister of Justice, creating a National Cybercrime Agency within the new cybercrime department,” Toby said.
Michael Makuei Lueth, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, noted that the bill will empower the government to investigate and prosecute cyber offences.
“We have suffered greatly from computer and cybercrime, but we have been unable to prosecute offenders due to the lack of legal authority,” Makuei remarked.
“This has allowed many individuals to escape justice. It is high time we take control of these issues and hold them accountable,” he added.
He stated that the bill would continue to be amended as new offences emerge to ensure it aligns with local laws and meets citizens’ expectations.
“This bill is not static; it is dynamic and effective. The offences we have included are not exhaustive. We aim to protect the people of South Sudan, our communities, and our families,” he said.
Ateny Wek Ateny, Minister of Information and Communication, stressed the importance of raising public awareness about the cybercrime bill.
“It is our collective responsibility to educate our people about acceptable behaviour and norms in cyberspace, fostering a cybercrime-free environment in South Sudan to promote economic growth online,” Wek asserted.
He added, “The internet encompasses many activities, and our people may unwittingly commit offences due to a lack of awareness of what constitutes a crime.”
Dr. Jemma Nunu Kumba, Speaker of the TNLA, noted that the bill will become law once signed by President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
“This is a very important bill, and we have witnessed how computer misuse can be dangerous for the country and the region,” Nunu stated.
He remarked that the approval of the bill aligns the country with the East African region.
The bill was first introduced to the assembly in September 2024 by Joseph Malek Arop, the Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
The Cybercrimes and Computer Misuse Bill 2024 aims to protect against and prevent crimes committed using computer devices, the internet, or related activities.
It seeks to establish a legal framework for prosecuting cybercrimes, safeguarding digital transactions, and regulating social media.
This bill is essential for regulating digital spaces and combating online offences in the world’s youngest nation.
It also aims to comply with the Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, 2011, as amended, and aligns with the South Sudan Penal Code Act, 2008.
Additionally, it will adhere to the Malabo Convention on Cybercrime and the U.N. Geneva Convention on Cybercrime and Data Protection.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit assented to the Cybercrimes and Computer Misuse Provisional Order on 7 May 2021.
