Many of South Sudan’s media houses have defied a recent government that they must register all reporters, describing it as ‘inappropriate’.

Last month, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry issued an order, directing that all journalists in the country must personally register by the November 28.

“We have decided that this registration is not appropriate and the work of journalists should be organize by the Media authority of South Sudan which has not yet be formed because of the laws concerning the media has not yet pass by parliament,” said Alfred Taban, the editor of the online Daily Monitor, speaking  on behalf of the media houses.

The heads and editors of the media houses urged the government to reverse its decision at least until the parliamentary President signs the Media Bill into Law.

“We hope we will meet the minister and tell him that this idea of registration or listing the names with the ministry is not really appropriate and should really wait for the formation of media authority of south Sudan which is the body that is supposed to supervise the work of journalists,” said Mr Taban.