(JUBA) – South Sudan’s National Security Service (NSS) has issued a strong warning to journalists and media houses over what it described as breaches of national security, calling certain areas of media coverage a “red line” not to be crossed.
The warning was delivered by NSS Director of Public Relations and official spokesperson David John Komori in an official statement. He clarified that the NSS does not target journalists, but it does expect them to act with professional caution when reporting on matters relating to national security.
Komori stated that journalists, like all citizens, are subject to the law and will face arrest if they are found to have committed a crime, including those that endanger state security. He stressed that media workers do not have immunity from legal consequences if their actions violate national laws.
“If a journalist commits a crime, they have no freedom,” Komori said. “A crime does not distinguish between a journalist, a constitutional post holder, or any other person. It is a crime against the state, and the law gives us the right to arrest them.”
He added that while there is space for the media to operate, there is also classified information that should not be disclosed. According to the NSS, publishing certain material could pose a direct threat to national stability.
“There is information that is open to the public, and there is information that cannot be published because it endangers national security. When a journalist crosses that line, we cannot simply stand by,” Komori warned.
The NSS spokesperson maintained that the agency’s main role is to prevent crime and protect public order. He said the law applies equally to all citizens and institutions, and there are no exceptions when it comes to offences involving national security.
“Crime knows no boundaries. Whether you are a journalist, an official, or an ordinary person, if you violate the law in a way that endangers the state, you will be held accountable,” he said.
Komori urged journalists and media houses to be accurate in their reporting, to act responsibly and to contribute to national stability. He said the NSS sees the media as a crucial partner in maintaining social peace, provided that reporting does not harm national interests.
His remarks have raised concerns among press freedom advocates, who argue that the line between public interest reporting and threats to national security remains unclear. While most international laws acknowledge a state’s right to protect classified information, ambiguity in what constitutes a “security threat” can result in excessive limitations on press freedom.
Legal experts note that in the absence of clear criteria separating secret from public information, the scope of what is deemed sensitive is often left to the discretion of state security bodies. This raises concerns about arbitrary restrictions and the possibility of suppressing media content that may actually serve the public good.
The timing of the NSS statement also comes during a period when many South Sudanese expect broader openness, especially as the country is navigating a transitional phase under the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement. Observers argue that such warnings risk undermining ongoing efforts to promote national dialogue, trust in institutions and inclusive governance.
Below is a summary of key points from the NSS statement:
| Key Statement by NSS | Implication |
|---|---|
| Journalists are not above the law | Media personnel face arrest for any legal violations |
| Classified vs. public information must be respected | Reporting sensitive issues may lead to legal action |
| NSS committed to crime prevention | Media warned not to endanger national stability |
| Media is a partner if it acts professionally | Cooperation encouraged if within legal boundaries |