South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
South Sudan joined the global community in celebrating World Press Freedom Day, with government officials reaffirming their dedication to press freedom and human rights.
Speaking During the commemoration, Minister of Information, Communication, Technology, and Postal Services Michael Makuei emphasized the day’s significance.
“Today is an important day worldwide: World Press Freedom Day. I take this opportunity to congratulate our sisters and brothers, sons and daughters in South Sudan and across the world who are in the field of journalism. We in the Republic of South Sudan join them in celebrating this momentous occasion.”
Makuei also underscored the constitutional protections for freedom of expression, referencing the country’s Bill of Rights.
“The Bill of Rights is a covenant among the people of South Sudan and their government, a commitment to uphold and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms. It is the cornerstone of social justice, equality, and democracy,” he stated.
He stressed that the rights enshrined in the constitution and in international treaties ratified by South Sudan must be respected by all government bodies and individuals. He added that these rights are monitored by the Human Rights Commission and upheld by the judiciary.
“Even during a state of emergency, the Constitution allows only a limited suspension of rights—excluding essential protections such as the right to life, prohibition against torture, and the right to a fair trial,” Makuei noted, citing Article 190 of the Constitution.
Meanwhile, Elijah Alier Kuai, Managing Director of the Media Authority, reported notable progress in media freedom.
“We are pleased to announce that South Sudan has risen in the Global Press Freedom Index, moving from 136th place in 2024 to 109th in 2025,” Alier said. “This improvement reflects our ongoing efforts to promote media freedom and protect journalists’ rights.”
However, he acknowledged that challenges remain. “While we celebrate this achievement, we recognize that there is still much work to be done. The Media Authority is committed to regulating media in the best interests of South Sudanese citizens, guided by our own values and priorities, not just global rankings,” he added.
Alier also praised the growing collaboration among media stakeholders and law enforcement, calling it vital for ensuring independent media operations and safeguarding freedom of expression.
This year’s World Press Freedom Day was supported by Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) and national and international partners.
