SOUTH SUDAN: Media need to work in freedom says Bishop

The Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Juba, Bishop Santo Loku Pio says the Government of South Sudan should ensure that the media in the country do their work without hindrance to enable them enlighten South Sudanese on the reconciliation process. The Bishop further said that journalists should be given freedom to fully inform citizens if the nation is to grow and if peace is to take root.

The Auxilliary Bishop was speaking during the celebration of the tenth anniversary of Radio Bakhita on Monday 8 February at St Joseph’s Parish in Juba. In his address, the Bishop highlighted the importance and dignity of the human person.

He called on journalists to play a bigger role in combating tribalism and nepotism in the country. His sentiments were echoed by the chairman of the South Sudan national alliance, Dr. Lam Akol Ajawin, who said that the courts of law should be the ones controlling journalists, not security organs. “If you deny people the freedom of expression, you are inciting them to cause chaos, said Dr. Lam.

Dr. Lam also said the National Alliance’s participation in the South Sudan’s transitional government would be to work to handle the current economic situation. The Alliance will also ensure that the coming government respects human rights and the basic laws, he pledged.

Meanwhile, UNESCO, National Ministry of Information and the Embassy of Sweden on Thursday 11th February launched women and youth radio listener clubs in Rumbek.

Women and youth listener clubs received four bicycles, ten radio sets and four mobile phones. The clubs also received four digital audio recorders, rechargeable batteries and units.