The secretary-general of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) on Wednesday called for stronger dialogue and professional cooperation between journalists and police to reduce tensions and improve public information management.
Majak Kuany made the remarks during a one-day engagement workshop that brought together journalists and officers from several departments of the South Sudan Police Service. The meeting aimed to improve relations between the media and law enforcement through dialogue and networking.
Kuany welcomed police officers who attended the workshop, describing their participation as a sign of cooperation.
“As a union, we are happy with your commitment and cooperation,” he said.
He also praised journalists for attending the session, saying engagement with police was essential to improving professional practice.
“This media engagement with the police is very important,” Kuany said.
Kuany encouraged participants to interact openly and avoid sitting in separate groups, noting that misunderstandings often stem from a lack of awareness of each other’s roles.
“Journalists interact most frequently with police among security actors,” he said. “When there is no understanding of our respective roles, that is where conflict arises.”
The workshop was organized with support from Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) to promote dialogue, transparency and accountability.
“Dialogue helps us understand each other’s roles, journalists’ rights and police responsibilities,” Kuany said.
He stressed that journalists and police play complementary roles in society, with journalists informing the public and police maintaining public order and safety.
Kuany also called for an end to harassment and arbitrary detention of journalists, saying disputes should be addressed through established institutions.
“Prison should not be the place to resolve issues between journalists and police,” he said. “If a journalist makes a mistake, the proper avenue is not detention.”
He said the Media Authority should serve as a mediation body, while courts remain the final avenue for accountability when necessary.
In closing, Kuany urged both groups to focus on nation-building.
“We should not see each other as opponents,” he said. “We are complementing one another for the good of the country and future generations.”
Joyce Maker, a representative of Norwegian People’s Aid, said the joint engagement demonstrated a shared commitment to dialogue and understanding.
“The presence of both journalists and police today shows a commitment to shaping a peaceful, informed and democratic South Sudan,” she said.
Maker said the workshop aimed to foster dialogue in a context where journalists are expected to inform the public while police are responsible for maintaining law and order.
“It is important that journalists work in a free and safe environment, while also reporting ethically and accurately in line with the law,” she said.
She added that police and other security agencies also carry the responsibility of protecting lives and property and safeguarding national stability.
Lt. Col. Martha John, head of media at the South Sudan Police Service, said improved relations between journalists and police would help both sides understand their responsibilities and operate more effectively.
“Journalists and police work toward a common goal of serving the public,” she said, noting that differences often arise over the timing and handling of information.