Alfred Taban, the head of the Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS), said the government has not played its role in protecting journalists.

Speaking at a Monday forum organized to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Taban said the government has failed in several instances. That includes an unwillingness to complete an investigation into the killing of journalist Isaiah Abraham in 2012.

At least another seven journalists have been killed since the outbreak of South Sudan’s conflict in 2013.

Paul Jacob, the acting director general of the National Ministry of Information, said the government had no links with any of the crimes committed against journalists in South Sudan. He said the government is actually working to make sure journalists are fully protected.

Police spokesman James Monday Enoka said his forces are trying to reduce crimes in Juba, including against journalists.

File photo: Alfred Taban