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

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.