World Press Freedom: US calls on South Sudan to protect journalists

The US has called on South Sudan to protect journalists from brutality and intimidation saying the freedom of the press is a prerequisite of achieving development through vibrant information channels.

In a statement from the Chargé d’Affaires, Larry André Jr., based in Juba, the US appreciated the role of the press in society. It added that it was prudent to reflect on the plight of the scribes especially when the world commemorates the International World Press Freedom Day.

The statement read, ‘‘Journalists help ensure that citizens are informed and exposed to diverse perspectives on the issues.  Well-informed citizens make countries stronger.’’

André Jr. commended the South Sudanese journalists—David Mono Danga and Waakhe Simon Wudu—who scooped the international awards in various categories.

‘‘I commend them for their professionalism and commitment to excellence.  I also applaud all media professionals in South Sudan who pursue their noble career honourably, often under difficult conditions.’’

It touched on the recent drop in ranking by one position to 139 out of 180 countries in the 2021 World Press Freedom Index report released by Reporters Without Borders. The US explained that such an incident revealed that more steps were required to protect the journalists.

‘‘The report states that journalists have faced harassment, arbitrary detention, torture, and even death in instances where they did not practice self-censorship.  As the U.S. government’s most recent Human Rights Report notes, security forces commonly intimidate, harass, beat up, detain, and imprison journalists; confiscate equipment; and restrict journalists’ movements,’’ André Jr. said in the statement.

Theme

He added that this year’s theme of “Information as a Public Good” resonates with the role of the media in enlightening the public for a robust democratic space.

 ‘‘It serves as a call for countries to improve transparency, and to ensure that citizens have access to reliable information.  When journalists are harassed and threatened, they naturally become intimidated and afraid to report certain information.  They end up practicing self-censorship.’’