Security Personnel and Journalists Pledge to Protect One Another

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Security personnel and journalists in Kuajok, Warrap State, have pledged to protect one another while discharging their respective duties. The commitment followed heated discussions during a two-day dialogue workshop organized by the National Press Club–South Sudan (NPC–SS) at Salam Hotel in Kuajok on October 21–22, 2026.

Held under the theme “Promoting Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists through Advocacy and Capacity Building for Security Personnel in South Sudan,” up to 30 security personnel, including members of the Police, National Security Service, and South Sudan People’s Defense Forces, alongside 10 journalists and two representatives from the state Ministry of Information and Communication contributed in the dialogue.

The lead trainer, Mr. Paul Jimbo, guided discussions on freedom of expression, access to information, South Sudan’s media laws, and communication with the media during high-pressure situations, among other topics. The discussions explored the roles and responsibilities of security personnel and journalists, why protection matters, and whether journalists can also protect security personnel. One of the conclusion reached is that duty comes after humanity.

The assistant facilitator, Lt. Col. Joseph Mayen Mayen, led discussions on the need for security personnel to protect journalists, ways of promoting freedom of expression, and how security personnel and journalists can work together.

Speaking at the workshop, the Minister of Information and Communication, Hon. William Wol Mayom, emphasized the need for capacity-building for security personnel and journalists as the country prepares for the general elections. Mayom highlighted that challenges are between journalists and security personnel, as well as between security personnel and members of the elections commission, suggesting for a workshop that brings all these groups together. The caretaker minister encouraged participants, to take the training personal, “You should take this workshop as a personal program and make sure to apply the knowledge in the field.” He expressed gratitude to UNESCO, JICA, and NPC–SS for bringing security personnel and journalists together.

The Deputy Police Commissioner, Maj. Gen. Ajuang Malual Manyiel, emphasized the police mandate, saying, “We, the security personnel, have a mandate, and our mandate is the protection of citizens and their properties.” He added that safety and security are for everyone, without fear or favor, noting that when journalists are working in the field, it is the duty of the police to protect them. He assured the journalists of his full support. “I have to assure you that we are ready to cooperate with you and to protect you as journalists here in Warrap State,” he said.

Recognizing journalists’ contribution to national development, Manyiel added, “Without journalists, the activities cannot be known within the country and around the world.” He thanked the partners for the workshop and requested that NPC–SS return for a refresher workshop before the elections.

NPC–SS representative, Mr. Moses Ayume, encouraged the participants to return to their duties with the new knowledge and initiate activities to sustain the workshop’s outcome. Ayume challenged participants to be creative and put the knowledge to proper use.

Representing the security personnel, Mr. Mariak Madut Mayom acknowledged that they had acquired new knowledge and pledged to share it with those who could not attend. “Thank you, our trainers, for the new knowledge you have given us. We are not going to keep this knowledge; we are going to pass it on to those who did not attend,” he said.

Meanwhile, the journalists’ representative, Ms. Atoch Charles Chiech, thanked the facilitator for the training, saying it had helped participants learn many new things. Chiech noted that the knowledge acquired would improve their work as journalists and strengthen their cooperation with security personnel.

The workshop builds on a UNESCO-led Training of Trainers held in Juba in June 2026 and was supported by JICA South Sudan. NPC–SS is working with partners and media institutions to strengthen relationships between the press and security institutions and foster a safer environment for journalism in South Sudan.

 

 

Security Personnel, Journalists Hold Dialogue on Freedom of Expression and Journalists’ Safety

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The National Press Club–South Sudan (NPC–SS) convened security personnel and journalists for a two-day workshop in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal State, on October 14–15, 2026, to strengthen security-media relations ahead of the December polls.

Held under the theme “Promoting Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists through Advocacy and Capacity Building for Security Personnel in South Sudan,” the workshop brought together 30 security personnel from the Police, National Security Service, and South Sudan People’s Defence Forces, alongside two representatives from the Ministry of Information and eight journalists from various media houses in the state.

Mr. Paul Jimbo, a media consultant and trainer, facilitated sessions on freedom of expression, access to information, South Sudan’s media laws, communication with the media during high-pressure situations, conducting media interviews, and protecting journalists during public order events. The participatory sessions encouraged discussions and reflection on the respective roles and responsibilities of security personnel and journalists.

Police spokesperson and assistant facilitator, Lt. Col. Udoal Mayen Gei, led discussions on strategies for improving working relationships between the two groups. One key proposal was the establishment of a security-media forum that would meet monthly to promote dialogue and address emerging challenges. Participants also pledged to share the knowledge gained with colleagues who could not attend due to limited spaces.

Speaking at the workshop, the Director General of the Ministry of Information and Communication, Hon. David John Jongo, said the engagement had demonstrated growing respect between security personnel and journalists. “I attended the workshop to witness it, and I found out that there is a good relationship. Security personnel respect the work of journalists,” he said.

He recalled that security personnel had previously viewed journalists as enemies but noted that the situation was changing. He added that the workshop had clarified the respective roles of journalists and security personnel during elections. Representing the Minister of Information, Hon. Umar Ishak, Jongo encouraged journalists to remain patient when security personnel were carrying out their duties and thanked the partners for their continued support.

The Police Commissioner, Lt. Gen. Elia Kosta Faustino, described the workshop as enlightening, emphasizing the shared responsibility of security personnel and journalists to serve the country and its people. “We have come to understand that our responsibility is one; it is towards our country and our people,” he said, encouraging participants to share their knowledge with colleagues. He added that the workshop had prepared them to work together during the elections.

Ms. Keane Amanda, representing UNESCO, stated “the right of access to information and freedom of expression is paramount.” She urged participants to return to their respective institutions and advocate for these rights, describing them as ambassadors for freedom of expression and access to information in Western Bahr el Ghazal. She also thanked JICA and NPC–SS for their partnership.

Representing NPC–SS, Mr. Moses Ayume encouraged participants to apply the knowledge acquired in their daily work, particularly as journalists and security personnel interact during the electoral period. He urged them to create opportunities to share their learning with colleagues and strengthen professional relationships.

Gen. Mareng Mareng Nhial, representing security personnel, acknowledged that the workshop had improved their understanding of the role journalists play in nation-building and thanked the partners for their continued support. Meanwhile, Ms. Juliet Luka Mudria, representing journalists, described the workshop as a major breakthrough in improving relations between journalists and security personnel. She said participants had learned practical ways to resolve misunderstandings amicably and called on NPC–SS and its partners to sustain such initiatives, especially during the upcoming elections.

The workshop builds on a UNESCO-led Training of Trainers held in Juba in June 2026 and was supported by JICA South Sudan. NPC–SS is working closely with partners and media institutions to strengthen relationships between the press and security institutions, fostering a safer environment for journalism in South Sudan.

NPC–SS Strengthens Media–Security Relations in Malakal

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The National Press Club–South Sudan (NPC–SS) held a two-day workshop in Malakal, Upper Nile State, on October 7–8, 2026, to strengthen security-media relations in the state ahead of the December polls.

Fixed on the theme “Promoting Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists through Advocacy and Capacity Building for Security Personnel in South Sudan,” the workshop brought together 30 security personnel from various police departments, the National Security Service, and the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces, alongside two members from the Ministry of Information and eight journalists working for various media houses in the state.

Mr. Paul Jimbo, media consultant and trainer, facilitated sessions on freedom of expression, access to information, South Sudan’s media laws, communication with the media during high-pressure situations, conducting media interviews, and protecting journalists during public order events. Using a participatory approach, the sessions encouraged in-depth discussions, shared learning, and collective reflection on the responsibilities of security personnel and journalists.

Police spokesperson and assistant facilitator, Lt. Col. Juma Pur Deng, led discussions on the boundaries and limitations of freedom of expression, noting that “there are certain limits to freedom of expression.” His sessions highlighted the limitations governing the work of both security personnel and journalists, addressing areas with which many participants were previously unfamiliar.

Speaking at the workshop, the Director General of the Ministry of Information and Communication, Hon. Chol Kur, underscored the shared role of journalists and security personnel in nation-building. He emphasized the importance of journalism in the electoral process, stating, “Elections need a lot of work; journalists are highly needed.” However, Hon. Chol noted that unregistered media platforms were operating in the state, saying the ministry is making efforts to address the issue to protect the public from misinformation. Comparing the power of information to that of a gun, he stressed that information should be based on facts. Chol thanked NPC–SS, UNESCO, and JICA for supporting the initiative and called for more capacity-building workshops in the state.

Meanwhile, the State Police Commissioner, Lt. Gen. Louis Gatkuoth, described the workshop as timely. He appreciated the approach of bringing journalists and security personnel together to engage in dialogue on issues that often affect their work. Gatkuoth urged security personnel to take the knowledge gained seriously and put it into practice, while calling on journalists to maintain professionalism and uphold ethical standards. He also thanked the partners for choosing Malakal and requested that personnel who missed the opportunity be considered for future training.

Representing the journalists, Mr. Johnson Amum emphasized the significance of the workshop, noting that it was the first time that journalists and security personnel were brought together in such a setting. He said the engagement helped build mutual knowledge and understanding, adding, “Now we shall be able to work without restrictions.”

Similarly, Maj. Gen. Malek Bol, who represented the security personnel, said participants had benefited greatly from the workshop, particularly by learning things they had not known before. “We have benefited a lot, things that we did not know before,” he said. “The workshop has helped everyone to know their position as well as the common space.”

Maj. Gen. Bol added that the training had better prepared journalists and security personnel to cooperate in their respective duties by helping them understand their differences as well as areas of shared responsibility.

The workshop builds on a UNESCO-led Training of Trainers held in Juba in June 2026 and was supported by JICA South Sudan. NPC–SS is working closely with partners and media institutions to strengthen relationships between the press and security institutions, fostering a safer environment for journalism in South Sudan.

NPC–SS Brings Security Personnel and Journalists for a Dialogue Workshop in Rumbek

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The National Press Club–South Sudan (NPC–SS) held a two-day dialogue workshop in Rumbek, Lakes State, on October 1–2, 2026, bringing together security personnel and journalists to strengthen cooperation, promote freedom of expression, and improve journalists’ safety.

Held under the theme “Promoting Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists through Advocacy and Capacity Building for Security Personnel in South Sudan,” the workshop brought together at least 32 security personnel from various police departments, the National Security Service, and the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces, alongside at least ten journalists from media houses operating in the state.

Facilitator Mr. Paul Jimbo led sessions on freedom of expression, access to information, South Sudan’s media laws, communication with the media during high-pressure situations, conducting media interviews, and protecting journalists during public order events. Using a participatory approach, the sessions encouraged open discussion, shared learning, and collective reflection on the responsibilities of both security personnel and journalists.

Police Spokesperson and Assistant Facilitator Lt. Col. Elijah Mabior emphasized the constitutional responsibilities of security personnel, reminding participants: “Your mandate is to protect the communities and their properties.” His sessions highlighted the shared purpose of security personnel and journalists as members of the communities they serve. As one participant observed, “Both security personnel and journalists are members of the community, and they are all working for the good of the country.” These discussions helped reinforce mutual respect and the importance of cooperation.

Speaking at the workshop, the Director General of Information and Communication, Hon. Moses Malok, underscored the connection between the two professions. “You have to know that your work has a link; you have different constitutional duties, but they are all for the good of the country,” he said. Hon. Malok thanked NPC–SS, UNESCO, and JICA for the initiative and called for more media-related capacity-building workshops in Lakes State, citing what he described as extremely low levels of media literacy.

Brig. Gen. Marial Akol Pel said the workshop had equipped participants with valuable knowledge to improve relations between security personnel and journalists. “This workshop will be very helpful to us. Also, the way Paul brought us through the two days has been remarkable,” he said. Representing journalists, Mr. Peter Machuei called on relevant authorities to provide timely access to information, emphasizing that journalists need access to the information they seek to report fairly and accurately.

He also urged his colleagues to produce fair and balanced stories. Expressing concern about the proliferation of unregulated social media platforms operated by people without journalism training, he called on the relevant authorities to address the issue. He further requested training in gender-sensitive reporting, conflict reporting, and peace journalism. Mr. Albino Akec, representing security personnel, thanked the partners for creating a platform for direct engagement between security institutions and the media. Describing the approach as unique, he pledged to protect journalists. “We can have peace if we protect them,” he said.

This workshop builds on a UNESCO-led Training of Trainers held in Juba in June 2026 and was supported by JICA South Sudan. Through continued dialogue and practical cooperation, NPC–SS and its partners are working to strengthen relationships between the press and security institutions and foster a safer environment for journalism in South Sudan.