Makuei Launches Election Media Training in Juba

(JUBA) – The Government of South Sudan has launched a two day national training programme for editors to enhance the quality, integrity and safety of election coverage ahead of the country’s upcoming general elections.

The training, officially opened on Thursday, 31 July 2025, by the Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services, Michael Makuei Lueth, is supported by UNESCO and aims to prepare national editors for the expected political and media challenges in the election period.

The Minister said the initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that South Sudan’s media is well prepared to handle the complex responsibilities of reporting during elections. He also announced plans for more targeted training sessions for both editors and journalists across the country in the months ahead.

The training programme covers a range of key topics, including the responsible use of artificial intelligence in journalism, respect for media ethics, handling conflict of interest, and avoiding plagiarism in election related reporting.

Minister Makuei highlighted the importance of responsible reporting during elections, noting that journalists play a key role in shaping public perception, and therefore need to be equipped with the tools to inform the public fairly and accurately. He also warned that misuse of emerging technologies like AI could pose risks if not handled with proper understanding.

Speaking at the event, UNESCO representative Yayoi Segi reaffirmed the agency’s support for media freedom and journalist safety in South Sudan. She encouraged editors to rise above personal and political interests, especially during election periods, and to promote credible, fact based journalism.

Segi noted that the electoral period can be especially sensitive, and that journalists must balance the right to freedom of expression with responsibility to avoid misinformation and social division. She also emphasised the need for press freedom to be accompanied by professional discipline and editorial independence.

The Chairperson of the National Editors Forum, Chuol Jany, welcomed the training and said it is timely and essential. He stressed that the sessions would help editors better understand and avoid ethical pitfalls such as conflict of interest and plagiarism.