By Matik Kueth
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) called on journalists across the country to rise above routine reporting and embrace their role as defenders of peace and democracy as the country prepares for the much-anticipated December 2026 general elections.
Speaking at the closing session of a three-day workshop on responsible electoral reporting in Juba on Thursday, Piraj Pan, Deputy Head of Office and Head of Education Program at UNMISS, emphasized the essential role of the media in shaping democratic processes and preserving stability, particularly in times of political tension.
“I would like to express my deep appreciation to each of you for your active participation in this training. This training comes at a critical moment. As your country approaches a pivotal election, the role of the media becomes even more essential. Your words can either calm tensions or inflame them. Ethical journalism is the path to truth, and truth is the cornerstone of peace,” Pan said, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of the United Nations Integrated Election Assistance Team (IEAT) and UNESCO in facilitating the training.
The training, held to reinforce press freedom and the safety of journalists in fragile political environments, focused on conflict-sensitive reporting, media ethics, and responsible coverage during elections. Pan stressed that the topics are not just technical; they are foundational to building a peaceful and democratic society.
He appealed to journalists to go beyond mere storytelling and to see themselves as “guardians of peace” in South Sudan’s fragile democratic transition.
The UN official also commended the workshop’s facilitators, describing the training as more than just developing skills but also instilling a fresh sense of duty in journalists.
“These are not just technical matters, they are at the core of building peaceful, inclusive and democratic systems,” he explained.
He added, “As you return to your newsroom, I encourage you to reflect on the lessons learned here and to put them into practice. You carry with you not just new skills, but also a renewed sense of responsibility and purpose.”
As South Sudan edges closer to a critical electoral milestone, the media’s role in maintaining national cohesion and guiding public discourse is more crucial than ever.