By Scopas Bethuel
As nations around the globe marked World Press Freedom Day, Timo Olkkonen, the head of the European Union delegation to South Sudan, reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to defending media freedom as a cornerstone of democracy.
Speaking at a commemorative event in Juba, the EU envoy praised efforts to foster an independent and professional media environment in South Sudan, while also highlighting ongoing global threats to press freedom.
“A free press is the best shield for democracy,” He said. “Journalists must be able to report without fear of censorship, intimidation, or reprisals.”
While noting that journalists worldwide continue to face growing threats, Olkkonen applauded local initiatives to build a more supportive media environment. He highlighted the roles of organizations such as the Union of Journalists, Journalists for Human Rights, the Association for Media Development in South Sudan, the Media Authority, and donors like UNESCO and Norwegian People’s Aid.
The EU also emphasized its contribution through training and international exposure. Last year, two South Sudanese journalists attended the Connecting Media Communities conference in Kosovo—an event that brought together nearly 100 reporters from around the world for intensive discussions on disinformation and media collaboration.
Despite ongoing issues—including reports of media censorship and misunderstanding between journalists and authorities—the EU stressed the value of continued dialogue.
“The more you talk and share ideas, the more you build trust,” He said. “That trust allows the free press to do its job as the fourth estate.”
He called on media houses to invest in journalists through fair wages and logistical support, and urged government regulators to protect journalists from harassment and ensure swift mediation in cases of conflict.
In a notable development, South Sudan’s position in the global press freedom index improved from 136 to 109, a move the EU hailed as a sign of positive momentum.
“Let’s continue working together to improve the country’s ranking even further,” the EU representative said, adding he looked forward to the release of a new report on the state of media freedom and human rights in South Sudan.