Roundtable Discussion With Stakeholders on Media Relations and Human Rights.

Roundtable Discussion with Stakeholders on Media Relations and Human Rights.

In South Sudan. The relationship between the Army and the media remains fragile and often characterized by mistrust and limited cooperation. While the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) play a crucial role in enforcing law and order, protecting citizens, and ensuring national security, negative public perceptions continue to circulate. The perceptions are always amplified by the media, citing complaints of harassment, intimidation, and even arrest.

On the other hand, journalists play a critical role in advancing democratic values, promoting accountability, and informing citizens. Still, they often face challenges accessing timely, accurate, and reliable information from the Army. This vacuum contributes to misinformation, disinformation, and misreporting, which undermines public trust in both the military and the media.

Recognizing these challenges, the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), through its spokesman, has expressed an urgent need to bridge the communication gap between the army and the media, promoting transparency, respect for human rights, and constructive engagement.  

The workshop will be jointly organized by the Media Authority and SSPDF with support from the Journalists for Human Rights (JHR). It will provide a platform for dialogue, learning, and collaboration, enabling all institutions to understand each other’s roles and responsibilities while working toward a shared objective of peace and stability.