National parliament sitting. September 20, 2024 (Photo: Eye Radio)

The National Legislative Assembly on Tuesday ordered journalists out of the parliamentary chamber as discussions commenced on proposed changes to the country’s basic law.

Reporters and media crews had gathered at the Assembly in Juba to cover the second reading of the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan 2011 (Amendment) Bill No. 13 of 2026.

The sitting was scheduled to hear a key presentation from the Committee on Legislation and Justice, led by committee chairperson Justice Dengtiel Ayuen.

However, shortly after media representatives entered the hall and settled into the press gallery, Speaker Joseph Ngere announced that the session would proceed in camera—closing the proceedings to both journalists and members of the public.

Speaker Ngere subsequently directed security personnel to clear the gallery, instructing all non-members of Parliament to vacate the building.

Despite the exclusion of the media and the public, the Assembly proceeded with the session and ultimately approved the constitutional amendment bill behind closed doors.

Parliamentary officials have not provided an official explanation for why the proceedings were declared confidential.