South Sudan’s Minister of Information Michael Makuei Luet rejected allegations that the government ordered media outlets not to report on federalism.

Makuei told reporters at SPLM party General Secretariat Tuesday that the government has not instructed or stopped anybody from expressing his or her opinion on the issue of federalism, which is a government system that distributes power and responsibility between local and central administrations.

Leaders from Equatorian states are in support of federalism while President Salva Kiir and other national officials oppose it.  This disagreement has led to tension in Juba.

“Yesterday, I have received a letter from the chief editors and heads of the media houses saying that the government has instruct them not to talk or print anything about federalism,” Makuei said.  “This is not true.”

“We in the government have not issued any directives or any orders to all media houses to stop publishing or talking about federalism,” he continued. “If there are elements that have even such statement these are destructive element who wanted to create a problem and divide the people of South Sudan.”

The Citizen Newspaper, Bakhita Radio, Eye Radio, and New Times Newspaper have reported that they received a letter from a government security organ ordering them to censor debate on federalism.

On Monday the Editors Forum, which comprises editors of various South Sudanese media outlets, met in Juba under the umbrella of Association for Media Development in South Sudan to ask Makuei to clarify the government’s position.

The Editors’ Forum sent a letter to the Information Minister asking him if the directive is from a security agency or is part of government policy.

The Editors’ Forum said that media institutions should continue giving a platform to all sides of the debate to freely air out views on federalism.  Not doing so, the Forum said, violates the right to freedom of expression.

Makuei acknowledged receipt of the editors' letter and said that media houses have the right to discuss all issues having to do with the system of governance “so that by the time comes we can decide.” 

Makuei also warned citizens against rumors which he said are meant to divide South Sudan.

“I call upon all the readers of social media to question whatever information they get before believing it,” he said.

File photo: Information Minister Michael Makuei Leut speaks to reporters in Juba (Radio Tamazuj)