All talk, no action: Why media freedom in South Sudan is still a dream
It is true that when it comes to a free and democratic press, the South Sudanese government has made big strides over the year since independence. However if you have been waiting for South Sudan to enjoy a thriving, free and democratic media scene, as it is described in the Interim National Constitution, then you may be waiting a little bit longer.
Print production of newspapers in Juba, July 17. Because the factors that prevent this from happening, are unlikely to dissolve anytime soon. The guidelines under which journalists in South Sudan work are unclear, whether from within their own media houses or from the South Sudanese government.
While parliamentarians delay various media legislation, journalists remain at the mercy of unscrupulous politicians and security personnel, who see the media as their public relations tool, one which should only ever cover positive aspects of the current regime’s activities.
Journalists have been manhandled as they go about their daily business, they have been detained without trial and beaten. And all this while government spokespersons continue to tell the country’s citizens and the whole world that media freedom are guaranteed in South Sudan.
So who is telling the truth? Freedom of the press is not something that the government can just talk about. It must be protected by legislation and respected by all stakeholders. This includes the citizens of a country.
Print production of newspapers in Juba, July 17. The main problem that remains is the reluctance of the National Legislative Assembly of South Sudan to pass the bills into law, which guarantee freedom of expression.
The government should also do its part by providing communication facilities, such as telecommunications equipment and power.
While it is true that media legislation is badly needed, it is also true that the media houses themselves are not doing enough. Some of them have failed to come up with in-house guidelines for their reporters in the field. Both the management and the staff of a media organisation should be well aware of the constitution of the country in which they are operating, as well as any media laws relating to their work.
I believe that failing to keep a copy of the Constitution in one’s office, for reference, is a sign of nonprofessional behaviour.
One other problem that prevents the media from doing its real job is the lack of motivation of journalists. In South Sudan, many are trapped in a cycle of exploitation by their employers.
Print production of newspapers in Juba, July 17. Sometimes there is no base salary, no financial incentive and no real or cordial working relationship between the owners of the organisation and the reporters. The result is a deal with it or leave” mentality. Properly qualified journalists in South Sudan either scramble for job inside some of the few real media organisations here or else opt for employment with other organisations.
Finally, there are also the attitudes of the citizens of South Sudan toward their media. And these are appalling.
Social clichés indicate that journalism is an undignified profession and as a result of this mindset, many -- including senior government officials and security staff -- show journalists no respect.
In order for South Sudan to truly realise a free and democratic press, we need the right environment and the right conditions. The media should be a platform for debate where all parts of society are able to express themselves, without fear of intimidation and arrest, but with professionalism.
