The Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS), with support from Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), on Tuesday launched a three-day training aimed at equipping journalists with the skills in reporting court proceedings.
The training, in Juba, brought together key stakeholders from the Judiciary, the Ministry of Information, Communication, Technology, and Postal Services, the Media Authority, journalists, and the security sector.
Speaking during the commencement of the workshop in Juba, Josephine Achiro, the Chairperson of the AMDISS Board of Directors, emphasized the critical role the workshop will play in strengthening the skills, professionalism, and ethical standards of the participants.
“We are grateful to our outstanding partners like NPA for supporting us as a media fraternity to develop media in this country,” she said.
The workshop, Achiro explained, allows journalists to share experiences, learn from case studies in neighbouring countries, and benefit from guidance by senior journalists, including experts from Kenya with over 15 years of court reporting experience. She highlighted the unique opportunity provided by high-profile ongoing court proceedings, noting that “journalists should have access to report freely after in-camera sessions without obstruction.”
She also reaffirmed AMDISS’s commitment to press freedom, journalists’ safety, and continuous capacity building.
“Sit down here today. Make use of these three days. Ask all the necessary questions. Share the experience,” she said. “Anything you know that will help each journalist, help your brother, help your sisters, let’s work together as we continue to develop media in our nation.”
For his part, David Yauyau, the Deputy Minister for Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services, emphasised his ministry’s commitment to supporting and safeguarding journalists.
“We are all citizens of this country. The Ministry of ICT is here to protect all our journalists and give you absolute freedom to exercise your profession, but do not misuse this opportunity,” Yauyau said, urging journalists to balance freedom with responsibility.
He stressed the importance of accurate and ethical reporting, particularly ahead of elections.
“When we are talking about elections, your reporting must be free, fair, and credible, and your message must not misinform anyone, and it must be professional. Be professional, deliberate, and clear in your reporting,” he advised. “You do not need to be hostile, and you do not need to be a closed-eyed person. Be friendly to the public because of the public, that is why you are.”
“All the discussion and outcomes will be part of the national policies, added to the existing institutions, and contribute to development, peace, and the good of this country,” Yauyau added.
Meanwhile, Elijah Alier Kuai, Managing Director of the Media Authority, highlighted the importance of the workshop in equipping journalists with the skills to report court proceedings accurately and ethically.
He noted that courtrooms, while formal, are spaces where “truth, justice, and accountability come to light,” and how journalists report shapes public trust in the justice system.
“Let us use these next few days to sharpen our skills, deepen our understanding, and strengthen the partnership between the media, the judiciary, and stakeholders committed to justice,” he said, emphasising the shared responsibility to uphold press freedom while respecting the integrity of the courts.
Moyiga Nduru, Managing Director of the Access to Information Commission, emphasised the need for court reporters to understand the law and court procedures.
“You do not just go there with an empty head and expect to cover the court case accurately,” Nduru said, highlighting the importance of accuracy and professionalism in court reporting.