The German Embassy in Juba funded training for South Sudanese journalists on election reporting and disinformation, a press statement said on Friday.
During two ten-day workshops implemented by DW Akademie, the German broadcasting station Deutsche Welle’s Center for International Media Development and Journalism Training, twenty journalists from across South Sudan developed a deeper understanding of the role of the media in the electoral process.
“They also acquired additional skills in election reporting and learned about different forms of disinformation and misinformation as well as fact-checking tools,” the statement from the German Embassy said.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Friday, Christian Sedat, Ambassador Designate of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Republic of South Sudan, congratulated the journalists on completing the training and encouraged them to continue their vital work as independent media representatives aspiring to contribute to building a more informed, democratic and peaceful South Sudan.
“Despite operating in a challenging environment, journalists in South Sudan play a pivotal role in peace and nation-building. They connect people across the country by reporting on developments affecting people in all counties,” he stated. “They also ensure that citizens are well informed so that they can make informed decisions. I particularly welcome the high number of inspiring female journalists among the participants of both trainings. South Sudan’s story must not be told only by men.”
“It is important that women bring the stories affecting them and their communities into the public eye.” Amb. Designate Sedat added.
He also underlined the significance of an independent media to South Sudan’s electoral process.
“As South Sudan is preparing for elections, it is crucial that journalists can operate freely and safely,” the envoy concluded.