NPA Champions Media-Security Dialogue to Safeguard Press Freedom Ahead of Elections

(JUBA CITY) – Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening press freedom and promoting professional journalism in South Sudan by backing a major media-security conference ahead of the country’s anticipated general elections.

The three-day conference, held at the Pyramid Continental Hotel in Juba, brought together more than 200 participants, including representatives from security agencies, media houses, civil society organisations, journalist unions, and media managers. The forum focused on improving cooperation, accountability, and responsible reporting as the country prepares for a sensitive electoral period.

Opening the event, Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services Ateny Wek Ateny lauded NPA for its longstanding support to South Sudan, dating back to the liberation struggle and continuing after independence.

“NPA remains a historic partner of the people of South Sudan,” Ateny said, praising the organisation’s role in national development and media growth.

He urged journalists to adhere to professional standards and avoid spreading unverified information, warning that misinformation could erode public trust and threaten national stability during the election period. At the same time, the minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that journalists can operate freely, provided they uphold ethical practices.

NPA’s Interim Country Director, Robert Afedra, underscored the vital role of the media in promoting transparency, accountability, and informed public debate, particularly on security matters.

“The media remains an essential pillar of accountability and transparency on national issues, including matters related to security,” Afedra said.

He congratulated South Sudan’s media fraternity on the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day and highlighted the importance of partnerships in building a strong media landscape. Afedra commended the Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS) for organising the conference and bringing together key stakeholders.

NPA has played a significant role in supporting South Sudan’s civil society and media sector through its Civil Society Partnership Programme, working with organisations such as AMDISS, the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS), and various community media networks.

According to Afedra, these partnerships reflect NPA’s belief that a free, independent, and professional media sector is essential for democratic governance and citizen participation.

He described the media as the “fourth estate,” serving as a bridge between citizens and decision-makers by amplifying public voices, promoting peace, and providing visibility for government programmes and development initiatives.

Afedra emphasized that NPA’s support for the conference is part of a broader effort to foster constructive engagement between journalists and security institutions.

“It is upon this principle that NPA continues to advocate for constructive coexistence between the media and the country’s security organs,” he said.

NPA, which has operated in South Sudan for over four decades, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen the media sector as part of broader peacebuilding and democratic development efforts.

With South Sudan approaching a crucial electoral period, stakeholders at the conference stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the media and security forces to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible democratic process.