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NPC–SS Trains Security Personnel and Journalists in Unity State, Rubkon

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Originally published on 18, September, 2026. 
The National Press Club – South Sudan (NPC–SS) held a two-day training dialogue on freedom of expression, access to information, and the safety of journalists on 16 and 17 of September 2026 in Rubkona, Unity State.
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 the different Police departments, members of the National Security Service, and the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces, alongside ten journalists working for various media houses in the State.
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. The Police Commissioner and assistant facilitator, Maj. Gen Samuel Tet Machar lead critical sessions emphasizing building strong relationship between journalists and security personnel. His presentation strengthened the understanding that journalists and security personnel are equally important in nation-building.
In her speech, the Minister of Information and Communication, Hon. Nyakenya Johannes Keah thanked UNESCO and JICA for the financial support while appreciating NPC-SS for the effective planning and coordination leading to the auspicious event in Unity State. Hon. Nyakenya underscored that partners’ dedication to enhancing the relationship between journalists and security personnel is an investment in peace, public trust, accountability and the future of South Sudan. She further stressed “freedom of expression is not the enemy of security, responsible journalism is not the enemy of the police and the police is not the enemy of the media.” Nyakenya remarked that such trainings are important especially as the country move towards the scheduled elections.
On his remarks, the Commissioner of police, Maj. Gen Samuel Tet Machar emphasized that relationship between journalists and security personnel is necessary and important. He challenged the participants to take the knowledge they acquired seriously, urging that the results should be seen in the field.
Female participants’ representative, Ms. Nyamai Both Chan stated that the workshop created a new way of thinking for them as security personnel. “We are going to see the journalists as people like us, also doing their work,” she said, adding “Our relationship is going to be good.”
Mr. Mamuor Chotchar Ali who represented male participants said the workshop helped him to learn unique things. “There are things that we got from this workshop which are very new,” he said, adding that the journalists gained confidence to cover crime scenes and conflicts both professionally and ethically.
This training builds on a UNESCO-led Training of Trainers held in Juba in June 2026 and is supported by JICA South Sudan. It comes second a out of seven training scheduled to take place in seven states and three administrative areas. NPC–SS and its partners will continue to strengthen the media landscape by fostering dialogue and practical cooperation between the press and security institutions.

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

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Originally Published on 3, September 2026
The National Press Club – South Sudan (NPC–SS) conducted a two-day training on freedom of expression, access to information, and the safety of journalists om September 2 and 3 in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA).
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.