By Matik Kueth
The Media Authority and the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), in collaboration with Journalists for Human Rights, convened a roundtable discussion with stakeholders on media relations and human rights in Juba on Thursday.
The discussion aimed to strengthen understanding between the media and the security sector, promote accountability, and counter misinformation in the country.
Michael Makuei, Minister of Information, urged journalists and security agencies to work together to promote peace and national unity.
“The media and the army must cooperate in serving the interests of our country and not work against each other,” Makuei said.
Elijah Alier, Managing Director of the Media Authority, said the engagement is a key step toward promoting transparency and respect for human rights.
“This workshop marks a crucial step toward fostering understanding and collaboration between our security forces and the media, two pillars essential to the peace, stability, and development of South Sudan,” he stated.
Maj. Garang Deng, Deputy Chief Admin at the CDF’s office, reiterated the army’s commitment to protecting the country’s sovereignty and supporting efforts that promote dialogue and understanding.
“We call upon the SSPDF to work very hard to safeguard the territorial integrity of the Republic of South Sudan, a hard-won country,” he stressed.
On her part, Mary Ajith, Project Manager of Journalists for Human Rights (JHR), called for mutual respect and cooperation between the journalists and armed forces.
“Your work with the media complements each other and are not in competition,” she emphasized, adding that collaboration is vital for peace and accurate reporting.
The discussion concluded with a call for continued cooperation between journalists and the military to foster trust, peace, and accountability in South Sudan.