The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) is urging the South Sudanese government to investigate the murders of several journalists.
In the 12 years since South Sudan gained independence, a dozen journalists, including American journalist Christopher Allen, have lost their lives without accountability.
This year’s International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists (IDEI) is observed at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Juba, under the theme, “Protecting Journalists; Upholding Democratic Values.”
The day is organized by UJOSS in collaboration with media stakeholders in South Sudan, with support from partners. UJOSS Secretary General Majak Daniel Kuany requested a moment of silence to honour the slain journalists, emphasizing the importance of protecting journalists.
“In 12 years of our independence, did you know that South Sudan has lost 12 journalists?” Majak inquired.
“As a union, we hold the belief that journalists and media workers should not be treated inhumanely simply because of their work,” he emphasized.
“Today, we would like to draw attention to the situation of violence against journalists and media workers as we anticipate the 2024 general election period. As the country approaches a crucial phase of the transitional period, it is imperative to denounce and avoid the restrictions on the press that have existed in the past,” he asserted.
The UJOSS official added, “Journalists and political communicators have fallen victim to rigorous individuals and security agencies while on duty since 2012.”
He stated, “Each year, South Sudan is consistently ranked among the highest nations on the impunity index lists due to the lack of accountability for over 10 journalists who have been killed.”
“We urge state actors to strengthen the institutional legal framework to combat violence and impunity against journalists. Our demand this year is for the state to conduct the same investigation as Christopher Allen’s death for all South Sudanese journalists who have died in the country,” emphasized UJOSS SG.
“Our list is available, and we are prepared to provide it to the media authority to initiate the investigation process, as the media regulator in the country,” he concluded.
UJOSS reports that five journalists were killed in Raja, Western Bahr El Ghazal State, in 2015, including Peter Moi. Additionally, Paw Joseph was killed in Akobo, and a political communicator, Isaiah Abraham, met his demise in Juba in 2012. Furthermore, one journalist lost their life in 2016 in Eastern Equatoria, and another journalist was killed in the Terrain Hotel during the 2016 crisis in Juba.
Majak emphasized, “It’s important to remember that the loved ones, families, friends, and relatives of the murdered journalists are still seeking answers about the circumstances that caused their deaths.”
The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists (IDEI) is a global observance aimed at raising awareness and sensitizing the public, particularly state authorities, to the challenges faced by journalists and media workers in their workplaces across the world.