
PHOTO CREDITS: Media Mentors Network
(JUBA) – Media organisations, government officials and development partners have met in Juba to discuss how to strengthen journalism and access to information ahead of South Sudan’s 2026 general elections.
The two day project coordination meeting was organised by UNESCO under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) project titled “Development of Mass Media to Improve Access to Information for Elections and Post-Elections in South Sudan.”
The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Information, Mawien Bulabek Chol, officially opened the meeting. He said the media plays a vital role in creating national awareness, especially before elections. He called on journalists and media houses to provide fair, accurate and clear information to help citizens make informed decisions.
UNESCO’s representative, Yayoi Segi-Vltchek, stressed the importance of building the capacity of journalists in South Sudan. She said well trained media professionals are essential to provide citizens with reliable information during elections and after voting.
Participants in the meeting included state Ministers of Information, managers of community radio stations from Yambio, Malakal, Wau and Terekeka, and other key media stakeholders.
They discussed how media can contribute to peaceful and transparent elections in 2026, as well as how to support citizens with access to credible news in the post-election period.
The Media Mentors Network also took part in the discussions. The network said it would continue to work with journalists to strengthen reporting and professional standards in the country.
Organisers said the meeting was part of a wider effort to improve the role of the media in building peace and democracy in South Sudan.
Key Points from the Juba Media Coordination Meeting
| Key Area | What Was Discussed |
|---|---|
| Role of Media | Provide fair, accurate and clear information before elections |
| Training for Journalists | Build skills to report reliably and professionally |
| Access to Information | Ensure citizens have credible news during and after elections |
| Peace and Democracy | Use media to promote national awareness, dialogue and stability |
| Participation | State Ministers, radio managers, and media stakeholders joined discussions |
Discover more from Access Radio Yei News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
