United Nations has refuted the government’s allegation that they are fueling speech in the country.
“There is absolutely no basis for it,” Nicholas Haysom, United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) head said of the government.
The state through the ministry of Information, Communication, Technology and Postal Services accused UNMISS of using their radio frequency to spew hate speech.
“We are consciously aware that as the country heads towards elections, it’s very important that there be demonstrable respect for freedom of expression,” said Nicholas Haysom.
Makuei made the allegation on November 2 on the sidelines of International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists where he also referred to slain American journalist Christopher Allen as a “white rebel”.
“What I found particularly, concerning was the remark by Minister Makuei that the radio station was being used for hate speech.
“We would want to encourage the government to respect freedom of expression as regards this issue,” Haysom added.
On March 10, 2018, the government suspended the operations of Radio Miraya, accusing the station of noncompliance with media laws. The station, however, continues to broadcasts its programmes.
The station, a noncommercial entity, informs the public about Un activities in the country as well as political programs aimed at fostering peace.
Via City Reviews’s