A picture of journalist in the Capital, Juba covering an event. Photo credit: Courtesy

The Association of Media Development in South Sudan has called for cooperation between the National Security Service and journalists ahead of the Papal visit due early next month.

Pope Francis, the Archbishop of the Canterbury Justin Welby, and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland will arrive in Juba on 3 February after spending two days in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

However, AMDISS called on the National Security Service to re-review to convene a meeting and review the media space in the Country ahead of the visit.

In a statement shared with Eye Radio newsroom, the association said it has noticed with great concern, some media institutions were recently blocked from covering events in the country.

“Such cases and others, translate into the uneasy relationships between the Media and government security organs”, the statement partially read.

“Some of these emergencies brew mistrust among journalists and security organs and threaten a such for vibrant and pluralistic media in South Sudan is South Sudan”, it added.

AMDISS stressed that the media play a vital role in connecting the people with the government through disseminating crucial information and appeals for cooperation between the media and the security apparatus.

However, the association called on journalists to strictly adhere to the Code of Conduct for the practice of Journalism in South Sudan.

It has advised the media to register and obtain accreditation for the coverage of the Papal visit.