Roundtable discussion with stakeholders on media relations and human rights.
The Media Authority, in partnership with Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) and with Support from Global Affairs Canada, convened a high-level roundtable discussion at Telecom-House, Gumbo-Shirkat, Juba, South Sudan. This event aimed at strengthening cooperation between the media and the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF). The event brought together government officials. Media stakeholders, regulatory institutions, military, Civil Society Organization representatives, Communication experts, Media Advocacy Groups, journalists, and media station managers for an open and constructive conversation on improving access to information, enhancing public trust, and combating Hate Speech and mis/disinformation.
Held on 16th October, 2025, the workshop marked an important step toward building a professional and accountable communication system in the Country, where accurate information often serves as a decisive factor in strengthening peace, stability, and public confidence.
A
call for Professionalism and adherence to Media Laws
During the official opening remarks, the Minister of Information, Communication Technology, and the Postal Services, Hon. Michael Makuei Lueth, underscored the strength of South Sudan’s media laws and the importance of implementing and respecting them. He encouraged journalists to report responsibly and reminded the SSPDF to provide timely and authorized information to avoid speculation and misinformation. His message reinforced the shared duty of both the media and security forces in nurturing a safe and informed society.
A
commitment to Cooperation
Speaking on behalf of the army, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, the spokesperson of SSPDF, reaffirmed the SSPDF's commitment to upholding South Sudan's territorial integrity. He thanked the organizers for creating a platform that deepens understanding between the media and the security forces. He stated that the SSPDF would gain valuable insights from the discussions and expressed the army’s readiness for meaningful dialogue, interaction, and mutual learning with journalists and regulatory bodies.
Security
and Trust in the Digital Age
Mr. Joseph Chol Mayen, the National Communication Authority (NCA) representative, described the workshop as timely, noting that press freedom and national security are not opposing concepts but complementary pillars when rooted in trust and understanding. He warned of the rapid spread of misinformation, especially through social media and artificial intelligence (AI) tools capable of generating fake content. He emphasized the NCA’s role in helping journalists and the public stay safe online and went further to offer technical support to the SSPDF, including secure hosting for military data and historical archives. “By protecting our data, we secure our future.” He concluded.
Strengthening
Trust, Upholding Rights, and A call for Accountability
Hon. Elijah Alier Kuai, the Managing Director of the Media Authority, emphasized that strong cooperation between the media and security forces is essential for peace, stability, and public trust in South Sudan. “Journalists and soldiers may serve in different ways, but together they safeguard the truth and protect our people.” He highlighted the vital role of journalists in promoting justice, human rights, and development, and stressed that this work depends on respectful and transparent engagement with security institutions. He commended the SSPDF and other organized forces for improving their human rights practices and increasingly providing timely, accurate information to the public. He reaffirmed the Media Authority’s commitment to strengthening media freedom while promoting professionalism and responsible reporting. “Only through dialogue and mutual respect can media and security forces help South Sudan move toward lasting peace.” He concluded.
Creating
Safe Channels of Information Sharing
The JHR’s Project Manager, Mary Ajith, set the tone of the day by emphasizing that journalists should not fear the uniform of the security forces but understand the important service carried out by those who wear it. She commended the discipline and professionalism displayed by the SSPDF and highlighted Journalists for Human Rights' ongoing support to South Sudan’s media landscape, made possible through the Canadian Embassy. “A healthy channel of reporting is built through cooperation. When journalists and the army work together, citizens are empowered with the right information.” She encouraged the SSPDF to continue creating space for journalists to do their work freely and responsibly.
Panel
and Plenary Discussions
The plenary session led by the Director General for Information and Media Compliance, Media Authority, Mr. Sapana Agyuli Abuyi, SSPDF spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, Executive Director of CEPO, Mr. Edmond Yakani, and UJOSS Secretary General, David Majak Kuany, opened the floor to candid exchanges between journalists and the army. Participants discussed and addressed recurring challenges such as limited awareness of media laws, the impact of misinformation, and the need for structured channels of communication during emergencies and security operations.
Journalists raised concerns about access to information and called for translation of the media laws into Arabic, while SSPDF officers proposed integrating human rights education into the military. Other suggestions included the creation of a media security oversight committee and the establishment of an early warning system to counter the spread of false information.
Way
forward
Ending the workshop, senior representatives emphasized the importance of continued engagement. Mary Ajith, JHR Project Manager, described the event as a “win-win exchange,” while the SSPDF assured participants of the army’s readiness to collaborate, engage lawfully, and provide accurate information to the public. Media Authority Managing Director Hon. Elijah Alier Kuai praised the improving relationship between journalists and the SSPDF, noting that South Sudan’s global freedom ranking has started to improve.
The roundtable ended with a renewed sense of
partnership. The Media Authority reaffirmed its commitment to creating a
professional, ethical, and safe media environment where journalists and security
institutions work together for the common good. This workshop not only
strengthened cooperation between the media and the SSPDF but also laid a
foundation for long-term collaboration anchored in trust, transparency, and
mutual respect, essential ingredients for a peaceful and informed South Sudan.
