By Lodu William Odiya
The Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and Postal service has vowed to ensure effective operationalization of the Cybercrime and computer misuse Act 2026 in order to safeguard individuals from cyber threats.
Ateny’s remark followed the signing of the bill into Law by President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Wednesday.
According to the government the law will reshape South Sudan’s digital governance, financial accountability systems, and environmental and natural resource management.
Addressing the media on Thursday, Ateny Wek Ateny who is the information minister and the government spokesperson emphasized that this historic legislation marks a decisive step in modernizing South Sudan legal framework to respond to the realities of the digital age.
“The ministry will, in collaboration with the National Communication Authority, law enforcement agencies and the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, ensure the effective operationalization of this Act” Ateny said.
He underscored that as the nation expands connectivity, digital services and electronic governance system; it is imperative that the ministry establish clear legal safeguards to protect individuals, institutions and national infrastructure from the cyber threats.
Ateny stressed that he CyberCrimes and Computer Abuse Act 2026 provides a comprehensive legal basis for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of offences related to computer system and cyber activities.
“It is strengthened our institutional capacity to address emerging digital risk while ensuring that justice mechanisms are equipped to handle cyber related crimes effectively and professionally” he stated.
He further underlined that the Act also facilitates international cooperation in combating cyber crimes, recognizing that digital threats do not respect national borders.
Ateny added that the Act would position South Sudan to work collaboratively with regional and global partners in addressing transitional cyber challenges.
“As the ministry responsible for ICT and postal services, we view this law as a fundamental pillar in building a secure, resilient and trusted digital ecosystem” he said.
“It reinforces public confidence in digital platforms, supports the growth of the digital economy, protects government systems and encourages responsible and lawful use of technology. This will include capacity building, institutional coordination and nationwide public awareness, initiatives to educate citizens and stakeholders on their rights, responsibilities and protections under the law” Ateny explained.
He emphasized that this law was not intended to stifle innovation or restrict legitimate digital expression, but rather seeks to create a balanced framework that protects freedoms while safeguarding the nation against misuse of technology for criminal purposes.
Minister Ateny called upon all stakeholders, including the media, fraternity, public institutions, private sector actors, telecommunications operators, civil society organizations and citizens to cooperate in upholding the provision of this Act and promoting a culture of cyber security, ethical digital conduct and accountability.
“I want to emphasize that media is a mouth that can easily disseminate information because the competence of the law is under the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development” he said.
“But as a minister responsible for the Ministry of ICT, it is incumbent upon me to educate the public about the law that is about to work to bring into books those who are actually abusing cyberspace” Ateny added.