The Ministry of Information in Jonglei and union of journalists in the state after a long discussion have resolved to work together in promoting freedom of media and protection of journalists.
The two institutions reached the resolution during a one-day dialogue between the ministry’s and union’s representatives organized by INTREPID South Sudan.
In November, the ministry issued an order, asking all local radio stations to seek approval from the ministry before broadcasting radio talk shows and announcements.
This moves prompted the union to call upon the ministry to immediately rescind its order and uphold the principles of press freedom and freedom of expression.
Speaking during the meeting, the state Minister of Information and Communication – Elizabeth Nyandek – assured the media outlets in the state to operate freely as the observe the media principles.
“Let’s leave the past and open a new chapter and be assured that any documents that is not about the law is not our document because we don’t want our image to be bad in the eye of media,” Nyandek stated.
The Jonglei state Secretary General for Union of Journalists – Achol Kur – said the media in the state is under serious restriction from the government.
She explained: “As we are doing this meeting, the radio stations in Jonglei are not broadcasting news because of the state security and the ministry of information are doing nothing about it.’’
Achol appealed to the state ministry of information to promote the basic principles of media and protect the journalists.
The South Sudan Media Authority Act 2013 mandates all levels of government to guarantee the freedom of the press and other media as shall be regulated by law in a democratic society.