The South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat says it is concerned by the “shrinking civic space” in the country.
Since South Sudan’s independence in July 2011, members of the pubic have been saying freedom of expression is severely restricted.
Every time a group of citizens plan to stage a peaceful protest to express disappointment at the leadership, the government deploys heavily armed security forces on every street corner in Juba.
Just last month, the government had to block internet access in an attempt to thwart demonstrations organized by the People Coalition for Civil Action.
Related article: Heavy security deployment ahead of planned protest
This, the bishops argue, is an abuse of the right to freedom of expression enshrined in the constitution.
“We call for freedom of the press, freedom of expression, freedom of speech and assembly so that all voices must be heard. Our leaders must listen to voices of the people,” said Archbishop Stephen Ameyu, n behalf of the church leaders.
JUST IN…#SouthSudan Catholic Bishops' Conference raises concern about the shrinking civic space & called for freedom of press, freedom of expression, freedom of speech and assembly, for all voices to be heard – #SSOT_Tweets pic.twitter.com/QfcXhvuiKc
— Eye Radio (@EyeRadioJuba) September 15, 2021
According to the UN Commission on Human Rights, South Sudan is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a journalist.
In February 2021, Amnesty International revealed a report, accusing the national security of using abusive surveillance to terrorize journalists, activists, and government critics.