The South Sudanese government hosted a forum yesterday on ‘role of the media’ where the official government spokesman Michael Makuei Lueth warned journalists to “be careful” about what they report.

The event under the theme “The role of media in nation building” came as the government continued to keep closed Radio Bakhita, the second most popular radio station in the South Sudanese capital.

“You must be careful with your words. Use appropriate information and disseminate correctly,” said Lueth, as quoted by Gurtong news.

“It is your duty to exercise your work according to the law. Don’t steps on the toes of others including the government,” he said.

The official spokesman added, “If you cross the line there will be no way not to take you to face the law. Give the most accurate information, don’t add your own. We are not against the freedom of expression but we want you to report rightly.”

The meeting at New Sudan Palace Hotel on Sunday was chaired by Lueth and attended also by Prof. Abednego Akok, chairman of the National Electoral Commission and Ateny Wek Ateny, the president spokesman, as well as several journalists.

All major independent media houses in the South Sudanese capital have been raided by government security forces this year.

Journalists have been regularly denied access to hospitals, morgues, IDP camps, and mass grave sites. They have been warned not to quote opposition figures or rebel spokesmen who are in exile, nor to cover debate on controversial political issues such as federalism.

File photo: Michael Makuei speaking in December 2013 claimed there was an attempted coup d’etat

Related:

Government ban on church radio in S. Sudan capital enters fourth week (7 Sept.)

Former security official appointed to head state radio in South Sudan (7 Sept.)

Timeline: media struggle in South Sudan (18 Aug.)