Arop
Juba – Al-Wadi Newspaper
The Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services, Michael Makuei Lueth, has called for enhanced cooperation between the media and the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), stressing that such collaboration is a key step toward building trust and supporting the state-building process.
The minister made these remarks during a roundtable discussion that brought together representatives from the media and the military to address issues related to media and human rights. He emphasized the importance of mutual respect between both parties and urged journalists to refrain from reporting on matters that may compromise national security, describing such topics as a red line that should not be crossed under the pretext of the right to access information.
“National security must remain a sacred priority,” said Makuei, warning that any breach in this regard could destabilize the country and open the door to potential violence. He stressed that the government will not tolerate any entity that violates the law or seeks to disseminate information from unofficial sources.
Makuei affirmed that access to information is a legitimate right, but it must be coordinated with the relevant authorities. He urged heads of accredited media institutions to work within official frameworks and to cooperate with security agencies and government institutions to ensure the responsible and accurate dissemination of information.
For his part, Elijah Alier, Director-General of the Media Authority, called on both parties to uphold human rights and the rule of law. Meanwhile, Mary Ajith, representing the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), underscored the importance of the SSPDF providing essential information that contributes to saving lives and promoting fundamental freedoms.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for effective communication between the media and security institutions to foster transparency and serve the national interest.
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