3290: Roundtable discusses press freedom and media challenges in South Sudan

The Roundtable episode of Radio Miraya examines the state of press freedom and media challenges in South Sudan ahead of World Press Freedom Day 2026. Host Sani Martin leads a discussion with three prominent media advocates: Oyet Patrick Charles, President of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOS); Irene Aya Lokang, Director of the Association of Media Development in South Sudan (AMDIS); and Leila Osman Kamis, News Editor and Deputy Chairperson of the Female Journalist Network (FJN). The panel highlights systemic threats to media independence, including government intimidation, financial instability, the rise of misinformation via social media and AI, and gender inequality within newsrooms. Despite the absence of journalists currently imprisoned, the hosts describe a shift from overt arrests to more subtle forms of censorship, such as psychological pressure and self-censorship. The discussion underscores the urgent need for a favorable regulatory environment, media literacy, and institutional support to protect journalists, especially as the country prepares for its first post-independence election in December 2026. A three-day national event is planned in Juba to strengthen media-security relations and promote a peaceful media future. Key takeaways include the importance of institutionalizing media safety mechanisms, ensuring equitable access for female journalists, and building financial sustainability through policy reforms and private sector engagement. The panel stresses that media freedom is essential for democracy, civic trust, and national development. They call on the government to fund media institutions, enforce existing laws like the Cyber Crimes Act, and protect journalists from harassment. Practical steps include training journalists in digital safety, establishing a national monitoring desk for journalist safety during elections, and promoting ethical AI use. The episode concludes with a powerful message: journalism is not an enemy of the state but a vital partner in building peace, accountability, and public trust.