Media professionals are stressing the importance of increased media freedom and unrestricted press access as South Sudan prepares for elections in December 2026.
They have also urged social media users to use the platforms responsibly and avoid causing harm.
Chuol Jany, the Editor in Chief of the Catholic Radio Network, emphasised the collaboration between media houses and the Media Authority.
“We need to work in collaboration with the Media Authority not as an obstacle, but as an institution that supports the growth of media houses,” he stated during an appearance on Eye Radio.
“Press freedom is crucial in South Sudan, especially as we approach elections. We need media outlets to have the freedom to provide information to the public, allowing the electorate to make informed decisions without fear of intimidation. Social media should also be used positively, without causing harm,” he added.
Additionally, Mathiang Cirilo, the Editor in Chief of Almugief Arabic Newspaper, highlighted the importance of journalists having access to information in the country.
Access to information, he noted, enables journalists to deliver accurate and trustworthy news to the public.
“We need to delve deeper into reporting stories with detail. For instance, media outlets lack access to information on how government budgets are allocated and spent. The Finance Ministry’s actions to ensure the budget is used appropriately are not transparent to us,” he explained.
“Government officials often withhold information from journalists out of fear of losing their positions. Therefore, press freedom also requires a conducive environment for politicians to provide necessary information,” he stressed.
South Sudan saw a rise in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, climbing to 109th place from 136th the previous year. Reporters Without Borders attributed the improvement to a decrease in media attacks.
However, the report highlighted economic pressures as a significant challenge for media outlets worldwide.
