Government Warns Against Abuse of Freedom of Expression

By Simon Deng

The Minister of Information Communication, Technology and Postal Services, Michael Makuei Lueth, stated that freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly, despite the guarantees outlined in the transitional constitution.

“There has been a mix-up, and this is one of our major problems. When we act as journalists, we must adhere to ethics and professionalism—these are the most important elements in journalism,” said Makuei on Tuesday at the Crown Hotel during the opening of a two-day media stakeholders forum.

“When you come into conflict with the law, we first assess the capacity in which you were acting. If you are acting as a journalist, you have rights and will be protected by the laws. However, if you are acting as an individual, you will face the law,” he added.

Makuei commended the Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS) for organising the forum on freedom of expression, access to information, and civic space ahead of the upcoming elections scheduled for December 2026.

The AMDISS, with support from Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), hosted the two-day Media Stakeholders Forum, which was attended by senior government officials.

Col. Garang Ateny, representing the spokesperson for the South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF), reaffirmed the army’s commitment to cooperating with media outlets and journalists seeking information.

Ayaa Irene, the Director of the Association for Media Development in South Sudan, expressed appreciation for the participation of media stakeholders in discussions about issues affecting freedom of expression and civic space.

Irene stated that AMDISS regularly organises such forums to foster trust between the media and security agencies, aiming to reduce violations and other barriers to freedom of expression and access to information.

Josephine Achiro, the Chairperson of the AMDISS Executive Board, urged the Ministry of Information to continue collaborating with AMDISS to prepare journalists for election coverage.

Achiro appealed for government support in reopening the Media Development Institute, a training wing of AMDISS established to build the capacity of journalists and to foster a professional and robust media sector.

“We have a significant role to play. We must remember that freedom of expression and civic space are crucial for our nation, and we must safeguard this freedom,” said Achiro.

The stakeholders’ forum, attended by media managers, journalists, and representatives from civil society and the security sector, was held under the theme: “Promoting Freedom of Expression and Safeguarding Civic Space in South Sudan.”