Media Authority engages security agencies to strengthen Journalists’ safety

The Managing Director of the Media Authority, Ajou Luol Akuei, says the institution is engaging security agencies to strengthen journalists’ safety and ensure they have unhindered access to information while performing their professional duties, as South Sudan joins the rest of the world in marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.

Akuei said the authority was working with the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), the Ministry of Interior and the National Security Service (NSS) to establish procedures that would improve journalists’ protection and working conditions.

He made the remarks during an interview on Eye Radio’s Dawn Show on Monday, marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.

“The Media Authority is actually working closely with other relevant institutions,” Akuei said, adding that engagements with security agencies were necessary to ensure journalists could work without fear.

“We are working closely with the SSPDF leadership, closely with the Minister of Interior, and also closely with the National Security. These are the security agents that we need to engage so that we make sure our journalists are well protected, they are given a chance to access information without any fear,” he said.

Meanwhile, senior journalist Maura Ajak called for a safe and conducive working environment that allows media practitioners to perform their duties freely, without unnecessary restrictions on movement and access to information.

Ajak said journalists should be able to access information directly and promptly rather than having to repeatedly seek it from public officials.

“We don’t need a stressful environment. A stressful environment in terms of you are doubting about that journalist,” she said.

She also urged authorities to reconsider restrictions on journalists’ access to certain areas, particularly where their professional assignments do not pose security risks.

“We need also to push back this issue of restrictions. And usually, we have a lot of national events. We’re supposed to have most of the information at the tip of our fingers. Not to beg for information, but the officials are supposed also to be more open,” Ajak said.

The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists is observed annually on November 2 to raise awareness about violence against journalists and the lack of accountability for crimes committed against media workers.

This year’s theme, “Threats Evolve. Impunity Endures,” highlights emerging threats facing journalists, including digital abuse, artificial intelligence-facilitated harm and the use of modern weapons.

The day also calls for stronger measures to protect journalists and ensure that attacks against media workers are investigated and perpetrators held accountable.