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

The Norwegian deputy head of mission in South Sudan has described freedom of the press in the country as ‘precarious’ citing the continued threats and intimidation against journalists.

South Sudan today joins the rest of the world to mark World Press Freedom Day.

The Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO’s General Conference.

Since then, the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.

According to the United Nations, the day acts as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom.

It is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics.

Besides, to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom; assess the state of press freedom throughout the world; defend the media from attacks on their independence; and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

In a statement to Eye Radio newsroom this morning, the deputy head of mission of Norway to South Sudan called for freedom of the press and that of expression in the country.

Lars Peter Henie said for democracy to be real, there needs to be civic space, and for civic space to be real, there must be freedom of the press.

“The World Press Freedom Index, compiled by Reporters Without Borders, South Sudan ranks number 118 out of 180 countries,

“Freedom of the press remains precarious in South Sudan [and ]this should change,

“Journalists should not need to fear threats and intimidation [ and] there should be no censorship,” he stressed.

Mr. Peter added that journalists sometimes expose abuse of power, corruption, and mismanagement, and hold the powerful to account.

“The first-ever elections in South Sudan are scheduled for December 2024. For democracy to be real, there is need for civic space. And for civic space to be real, there must be freedom of the press,”

“The free press is not the enemy of the people. It is the guardian of truth.  The work of free and independent media all over the world matters now more than ever,” he added.

However, the minister of information and government spokesperson often disagrees with those saying there is no freedom of expression and that of the press in South Sudan.

“How can you talk of in South Sudan there is no freedom of expression, if there is no freedom of expression in South Sudan, most of the journalists would have been under arrest now,” said Michael Makuei.

“So, the journalists must be very careful, and they must set in the correct information, they must respect and abide by the ethics of the profession,” he added.

Michael Makuei made the remarks last year.

This year’s global theme of the day is “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver For All Other Human Rights.”