The South Sudan Civil Society has condemned the recent cancellation of discussion on the country’s constitutional history and laws.

This is after members of the National Security Service stormed a venue at Hai Malakal in Juba and stopped the discussion which was convened by Okay Africa Foundation executive director Wani Michael, on July 17, Saturday.

According to Wani, the forum was stopped on account that there was no clearance from the security department as per requirements of the National Security Act.

The NSS said, “there is no constitution in the country and only parliament is authorised to discuss the constitution and reconstituted parliament is yet to resume sessions”.

But yesterday, Wani gave a statement on his Twitter page protesting the incident, adding that he complied with all the security clearance protocols.

He tweeted: ‘‘We worked on all security laws as NCAC and am not aware of any section in either the National Security Act or the Police Act that requires citizens to obtain security clearance for any activity. I challenge those saying so to quote for us any section in any law.’’

In a statement seen by The City Review, the civil society group underscored the importance of such a forum. The group described it as a crucial platform through which the youth can understand the 2018 peace agreement as well as other vital laws that will help in shaping them up to be responsible in society.

“The event was part of a series of panel discussions aimed at creating an environment for youth to discuss, understand and own the constitution and its review process as provided for in the 2018 Peace Agreement,” the group partially stated in a statement.

The group urged the security department to “support citizens to engage in peaceful and constructive activities to prevent them from perpetrating violence, destruction, and social fragmentation’’.

It also called for the upholding of  Article 6 of the National Security Service Act, 2014, which emphasises the need to be subject to the authority of the Constitution and the law.

“To respect the will of the people, the rule of law, democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms; while exercising professionalism in its mandate which focuses on information gathering, analysis and advice to relevant authorities,’’ it stated.

The group however expressed optimism that improved relations between the National Security Service and the ordinary citizens will soon take shape as the country moves into the development phase.