Interior Minister, Gen. Aleu Ayieny Aleu. | Credit | PPU

The Governance Cluster has approved a proposal to establish a regulatory authority for South Sudan’s private security industry, with the amended bill expected to be presented to the Council of Ministers on Friday.

The proposal was discussed during a Governance Cluster meeting chaired by Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng, which also reviewed recommendations and updates aimed at aligning government policies with current governance priorities.

The cluster considered a memorandum from the Ministry of Interior on the proposed regulatory framework, including the mandate and responsibilities of the planned South Sudan Private Security Regulatory Authority.

Information Minister Ateny Wek Ateny said the proposal, presented by Interior Minister General Aleu Ayieny Aleu, was approved with amendments after deliberations.

“The cluster moved to listen to the memorandum presented by General Aleu Ayieny Aleu, the Minister of the Interior, in regard to the proposal to establish South Sudan Private Security Regulatory Authority. Finally, it was passed with amendments, and after deliberation the amendment bill was passed by the Governance Cluster,” he said.

“The next step will be the Council of Ministers, which will deliberate and pass the amendment bill before it is taken to the national legislature for final approval.”

Ateny said the amended bill will be forwarded to the Council of Ministers for further consideration before being submitted to the national legislature.

The Governance Cluster also reviewed proposed amendments to the Revitalized Peace Agreement presented by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.

Currently, private security companies in South Sudan are licensed and supervised by the Ministry of Interior and the South Sudan National Police Service. The proposed authority is intended to provide a dedicated regulatory framework for the sector.