JUBA, South Sudan, July 20, 2024 – Press freedom in South Sudan must be respected if discussions about the 2024 elections are to be taken seriously. Government security agencies need to cease harassment of media practitioners to uphold democratic principles and protect the rights of journalists and civil society.
As South Sudan prepares for elections in 2024, ensuring a free and independent press is crucial. Journalists play a vital role in informing the public and fostering transparency. Continuous intimidation and harassment of media personnel undermine democratic processes and the credibility of the electoral process.
Media and civil society organizations are integral to a functioning democracy, and their rights must be upheld. The international community and local stakeholders urge South Sudanese authorities to commit to protecting these rights and allowing a free press to flourish, thereby strengthening democratic governance and public trust in the electoral system.
