Media Leaders Discuss Limits of Free Expression in Juba

(JUBA) – South Sudan has opened a three day national conference bringing together ministers of information from more than ten states and three administrative areas, as the government steps up efforts to address hate speech and its impact on social cohesion and national stability.

The conference, held in the capital Juba, aims to promote responsible communication while safeguarding freedom of expression. It comes at a time when public discourse is increasingly shaped by traditional media and digital platforms, with implications for peace, business confidence and investment.

Speaking at the opening session, the Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services, Ateny Wek Ateny, said the government remains committed to freedom of expression as guaranteed by the constitution. However, he stressed that this freedom should not be used to incite violence or undermine unity among communities.

The minister said unchecked hate speech poses a direct risk to social cohesion and economic activity, noting that stability is essential for trade, investment and service delivery across the country. He urged media actors to act responsibly and support national peace building efforts.

The Managing Director of the Media Authority, Elijah Alier Kuai, called for clearer and enforceable media regulations to address hate speech. He said restrictions on harmful content are necessary to protect national safety and preserve harmony, adding that regulation should focus on preventing abuse rather than limiting legitimate debate.

Civil society voices also contributed to the discussion. Edmond Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, cited research indicating that hate speech accounts for about 37 percent of factors that trigger social friction. He said addressing this issue could significantly reduce tensions and conflict risks.

For the business community, the conference highlights the link between responsible media practice and economic stability. Investors and traders often cite security and social harmony as key factors in decision making, making media conduct an important part of the wider business environment.

Participants at the conference are expected to share experiences from their respective states and administrative areas and propose practical measures to reduce harmful speech while maintaining open communication. Outcomes from the discussions are likely to inform future policy and regulatory approaches.

Key perspectives raised