The Executive Director of INTREPID South Sudan and the Chairperson of Jonglei Civil Society Network express concern over infringement of media freedom and independence.
Jonglei State’s Ministry of Information and Communication has come under fire for its recent circular, which seeks to control announcements and radio talk shows by requiring prior approval from the ministry.
The move has been labeled as blatant censorship by Bol Deng Bol, The Executive Director of INTREPID South Sudan and the Chairperson of Jonglei Civil Society Network (JCSN), who argues that it undermines the freedom and independence of the media.
“This is a clear infringement of the constitutional rights to access information and freedom of expression,” Bol stated.
“It is surprising to learn that the ministry intends to regulate the media through censorship. Such initiatives are likely to be used to suppress the voices of civil society, youth activists, and political oppositions.”
The Jonglei Civil Society Network, in response to the circular, has expressed its strong opposition to the control measures proposed by the ministry. Instead, they urge the ministry to cease coercive engagements with the media, NGOs, and the public, and instead focus on developing the media sector in the state.
They also call for closer collaboration with the Media Authority to ensure responsible regulation.
“The Ministry of Information and Communication has an important responsibility to develop the media in the state,” Bol emphasized.
“We urge the minister to reconsider the essence of this circular and seek progressive initiatives that promote media development rather than censorship.”
In a circular dated January 8th, 2024, signed by Mhamad Chuol Peter, Director General of the Ministry of Information, it was stated, “All public and private announcements in Jonglei State HQs have to be documented and approved by the state ministry of information and communication before the announcement.”
The civil society network and media organizations are closely monitoring the situation and are hopeful that the ministry will reconsider its stance in order to protect the fundamental rights of the media and ensure a free and independent press in Jonglei State.