JUBA, 17th JULY 2026 – The Government of the Republic of South Sudan has commenced the operationalization of the Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Act, 2026, in line with Presidential Directive No. 03/2026, marking a significant step towards strengthening national cybersecurity, protecting critical digital infrastructure, and safeguarding the integrity of the country’s democratic process.

On 16 July 2026, the National Cyber-Security Task Force convened its first operational meeting to begin implementing the provisions of the Act through enhanced inter-agency coordination and technical collaboration.

The National Cyber-Security Task Force is a multi-agency technical committee responsible for coordinating the implementation of cybersecurity-related laws and ensuring effective collaboration among government institutions in preventing, investigating, and responding to cyber threats. The Task Force is headed by the Deputy Director General of the Internal Security Bureau (ISB) of the National Security Service (NSS).

Providing policy oversight is the National Cyber-Security Steering Committee, chaired by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. The Steering Committee comprises the Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services, the Minister of Interior, the Minister of Finance and Planning, the Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, the Director Generals of the General Intelligence Bureau (GIB) and Internal Security Bureau (ISB) of the National Security Service, the Director General of the National Communication Authority (NCA), the Managing Director of the Media Authority, and the Financial Intelligence Unit.

The Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Act, 2026 establishes a robust legal framework to address cybercrime while promoting responsible use of digital platforms.

Among its key provisions:

• Section 42 criminalizes the publication and dissemination of undesirable online content that promotes tribalism, incites violence, or threatens national security.

• Section 44 prohibits the publication of false or misleading information that damages reputations, undermines public confidence, or causes public panic.

• Sections 53 and 67 prescribe penalties, including custodial sentences of up to five years’ imprisonment, for offences such as cyberbullying and cyber harassment.

The Government has emphasized that implementation of the Act will be undertaken strictly within the constitutional and statutory framework established by law. Under Chapter 4 of the Act, the primary administrative, investigative, and prosecutorial responsibilities are vested in the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services, working in coordination with the National Cyber-Security Task Force and other competent institutions.

The operationalization of the Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Act represents an important milestone in strengthening South Sudan’s digital governance, enhancing national security, protecting citizens from cyber-enabled crimes, and promoting a safe, secure, and responsible online environment as the country prepares for the December 2026 general elections.

Source: Office of the President, Republic of South Sudan. Additional context and analysis by Juba Global News Network.