Darren Manning, the USAID Acting Deputy Mission Director in South Sudan during the ongoing annual sustainability forum and media leadership network in Juba on Wednesday, Sept 13, 2023 - Juma Peter/AMDISS

The USAID Acting Deputy Mission Director in South Sudan has called on the government of South Sudan to show more commitment to providing an enabling environment for media to thrive.

Darren Manning made the remarks during the ongoing annual sustainability forum and media leadership network in Juba on Wednesday, September 13.

He said for the media in South Sudan to have an enabling environment, the government can demonstrate support for the implementation of relevant laws.

Darren is also calling on the government to open up civic space to pave the way for consolidating trust and social cohesion in the country.

He went on to add that USAID remains an unwavering supporter of independent media in South Sudan, citing the importance of media to continue creating a positive impact on society.

Darren also added that the media must continue to provide relevant, accurate information, amplify the voices of people who would not, otherwise, be heard, and contribute to a more peaceful and democratic South Sudan.

“The US government through USAID has invested millions of dollars in the independent media in South Sudan because we believe that it is a vital cornerstone to any functioning democracy,” said Manning.

“We are also aware that for South Sudan media to be sustainable, it cannot depend on financial support solely from donors like USAID,” he said.

“We would like to see the government of South Sudan showing more commitment to providing an enabling environment for media to thrive.”

“This can be achieved by demonstrating support for the implementation of relevant laws, as well as a commitment to upholding international principles that promote freedom of expression, and freedom of the press.”

The government can open up civic space to encourage more effective participation in national building, by doing this, the government can fully understand what its people want, this is essential to consolidate trust, confidence, and social cohesion in the country.”