NPC–SS Trains Security Personnel and Journalists in GPAA, Pibor

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 convened at least 33 security personnel from the different Police Departments, members of the National Security Service, the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and ten journalists from Pibor Radio as well as representatives from the Ministry of Information, GPAA. The event was also attended by key stakeholders including Hon. Jacob Werchum, the Minister of Information and Communication, representative of the Police Commissioner, the SSPDF Commander and other high ranking stakeholders, and became a conducive space for journalists and security personnel to share their experiences and challenges in working with each other enhancing their relationship.

Lead facilitator Mr. Paul Jimbo guided sessions on freedom of expression and access to information, communication with media during high-pressure situations, South Sudan’s media laws, conducting media interviews, and protecting journalists during public order events.

In his closing remarks, Hon. Jacob Werchum, the Minister of Information and communication, described the training as vital for the GPAA and said it will help build professional and constructive relationships between journalists and security personnel. Jacob urged the participants to apply the knowledge learned in the field and ensuring that journalists are not harassed while challenging the journalists to do professional job as discussed in the training. Hon. Werchum thanked NPC–SS, UNESCO and JICA for taking the training to Pibor and requested for continued engagement to ensure that Pibor benefits from any future initiatives “sometimes there are many things that are done in Juba or in other places, but those things does not reach to Pibor. I thank the partners for bringing this workshop here and they should continue to extend any trainings done in Juba to Pibor so that our people are able to learn and serve with ethics professionalism.”

Brig. General Giroc Teny welcomed the training as timely and transformative for media-security relations in Pibor, noting that such capacity-building had not been previously offered in the area. With national elections approaching in December, he asked NPC–SS and partners to return to train additional personnel who could not attend due to limited number of participants.

Participants who attended the two days workshop shared a positive feedback. Female Police, Ms. Mary Lokoli who represented the female participants said the workshop broadened her understanding of how to maintain professional relations with journalists, especially during crime scenes. On his part, Col. Juma Bokor, representing male participants emphasized that the workshop reinforced the view that journalists and security personnel are equally essential partners in nation-building. He thanked the organizers, calling for a repeat of the event.

This training builds on a UNESCO-led Training of Trainers held in Juba in June 2026 through the generous support JICA South Sudan. The National Press Club–South Sudan and its partners will continue to strengthen the media landscape by fostering dialogue and practical cooperation between the press and security institutions.