Sapana Abuyi, Director General of Media Authority, has called for greater protection of journalists and respect for their role in informing the public, particularly in high-risk environments.
“Journalists have the right to inform the public, and security forces should not interfere with their work,” Abuyi said. “No gun should ever be turned against a journalist. They put their lives on the line to keep the public informed and deserve our full protection.”
Abuyi also underscored the significance of journalist accreditation, clarifying that only qualified individuals working with recognized media institutions are eligible. “We accredit professional journalists, including certified freelancers, editors, media trainers, and communication officers from NGOs,” He noted. “Accreditation is issued to individuals, not organizations. If a journalist leaves a media house, the accreditation does not transfer.”
He added that accreditation serves to authenticate a journalist’s professional status, grants access to government events, and plays a crucial role in upholding ethical standards while combating misinformation and disinformation.
This statement was made during a two-day media stakeholders’ forum organized by the Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS) in Juba, aimed at promoting freedom of expression and expanding civic space in the country
