Africa News of Tuesday, 19 September 2023

Source: bbc.com

South Sudan election law sparks MPs' walkout

Lawmakers accused President Salva Kiir of breaching provisions of a peace deal signed in 2018 Lawmakers accused President Salva Kiir of breaching provisions of a peace deal signed in 2018

A bill establishing the path for long-awaited nationwide elections in South Sudan has sparked a protest in parliament.

A faction of the country's governing party walked out of the chamber as the legislation was passed.

Lawmakers accused President Salva Kiir of breaching provisions of a peace deal signed in 2018.

Members of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement loyal to Mr Kiir's rival and deputy, Riek Machar, said the National Election Act made the electoral process "undemocratic, unfair, and not credible".

President Kiir is due to address the UN General Assembly in New York later.

He is expected to highlight his commitment to implementing the peace agreement.