(JUBA) – Fourteen years after gaining independence, South Sudan is still struggling with conflict, political uncertainty and ethnic divisions. As the country edges closer to holding its first democratic elections, the role of the media in peacebuilding and fostering unity has become increasingly important. Yet, many journalists continue to work with little or no formal training in ethical reporting during times of conflict.
To help fill this gap, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) supported the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) in conducting a two day training workshop on conflict sensitive and ethical reporting. The event brought together more than 30 journalists from local media houses, along with regional correspondents for international outlets such as the BBC, Al Jazeera, TRT Worldwide, and CGTN.
Also present were spokespersons for the country’s security, police, and prison services, while representatives from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction delivered remarks.
At the start of the workshop, participants pledged to uphold neutrality and mutual respect despite South Sudan’s deep tribal and communal divides. Patrick Oyet, President of UJOSS, reminded his colleagues that journalism in the country is both a responsibility and a test of courage.
“You stand at the frontlines of information, and you must shed your personal and tribal affiliations and consider the best interest of the country when you are sitting at your keyboard,” Oyet told participants. “This job is for the brave, for those who stand for truth, and who are committed to peace.”
The workshop used real examples from South Sudan’s ongoing challenges, including cattle raiding, political deadlock threatening the peace process, and outbreaks of intercommunal violence. Participants examined how misinformation and hate speech can worsen already fragile situations.
Trainers urged reporters to carefully assess official statements, particularly from politicians, and avoid publishing information that could inflame tensions or put civilians at risk.
Nichola Mandil, a South Sudanese journalist and BBC correspondent, told participants that impartiality and careful verification are the foundation of ethical reporting.
“While you may be tempted to speak the truth and to right a wrong, remember the first rule of reporting is to maintain neutrality about the facts, and to be guided by ethics only. Verify the information from multiple sources, as two sources are never enough, and don’t rush to file the story,” he said.
The methodology of the training combined expert led sessions, open discussions, case studies, and practical exercises on reporting from conflict or politically charged environments. At times, debates became intense as participants expressed differing views on how to report sensitive political developments.
For many, the workshop was a chance to sharpen professional skills.
“As a journalist working for nine years now, the training provided much needed context for us and will help me examine information more objectively, and to employ a do no harm approach while reporting,” said Sarah Kinky, a reporter with Urban Radio.
The training is part of a wider UNMISS approach to support peacebuilding in South Sudan. Beyond its peacekeepers on the ground, the mission also works through the Rule of Law and Security Institutions Section (RoLSIS) to integrate media into the country’s Security Sector Reform (SSR).
According to UNMISS, ensuring that South Sudan’s media space is protected from misinformation and disinformation is central to shaping public opinion and building trust in the peace process. A more reliable and professional media sector, the mission argues, will contribute to dialogue between communities and strengthen democratic governance.
“South Sudan is at a pivotal moment. As we move towards elections, the role of the media becomes even more vital, not just as the conveyor of information, but as the guardian of truth, a builder of trust and a partner for peace,” said Mamadou Torre, Head of the Security Sector Reform and Community Violence Reduction Unit at UNMISS.
The training concluded with a renewed call for journalists to use their influence responsibly, recognising that in a country marked by past and present divisions, balanced and ethical reporting could help shape a more peaceful and united future.