The South Sudan National Security Service (NSS) has made a commitment to safeguard journalists and ensure access to information and freedom of expression in preparation for the upcoming December 2024 elections. The NSS spokesperson, Denis John Kumuri, assured this during a gathering arranged by the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJoSS) at Juba Crown Hotel.
This meeting brought together journalists, the NSS spokesperson, the chairperson of the Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services Committee in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA), and the Director General for Information and Media Compliance at the Media Authority. Their goal was to strengthen relationships between journalists and key stakeholders ahead of the country’s first General Elections.
UJoSS Chairperson Oyet Patrick Charles explained that the breakfast meeting aimed to foster understanding and cooperation between journalists, constitutional post holders, and security services. Kumuri emphasized the importance of collaborating with journalists leading up to the 2024 elections, ensuring freedom of expression and access to information.
In addition, Hon. Oliver Mori advised journalists to familiarize themselves with the country’s laws, while Sapana Abuyi stressed the importance of accuracy in reporting. The event was supported by Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) and aligned with Section 13 of the National Security Act 2014.