Robert Afedra-NPA
Tuesday, 19 May 2026 | Author: Andrew Michael | Photo: AMDISS | GT-News |
Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to strengthening media freedom, professional journalism and democratic governance in South Sudan by supporting a major three-day media-security conference in Juba that brought together more than 200 participants from across the country.
The conference, held at the Pyramid Continental Hotel, convened representatives from the security sector, ministers of information from the ten states and three administrative areas, media institutions, civil society organisations, journalists, media managers, development partners and government officials to discuss ways of improving cooperation between the media and security agencies ahead of South Sudan’s anticipated general elections.
The event underscored the growing recognition of the media’s role in promoting accountability, transparency, peacebuilding and informed public participation in the country’s democratic processes.
Opening the conference, the Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services, Hon. Ateny Wek Ateny, commended NPA for its unwavering support to the people of South Sudan over several decades.
He described the NPA as a historic partner that stood with South Sudanese communities during the liberation struggle and continued supporting national development efforts following the country’s independence in 2011.
“NPA remains a historic partner to the people of South Sudan,” Ateny said, acknowledging the organisation’s contribution to humanitarian assistance, civil society development and media sector strengthening.
The minister emphasised the importance of responsible journalism, urging media practitioners to verify information before publication and avoid becoming channels for misinformation or politically motivated narratives.
At the same time, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing challenges faced by journalists and media institutions, stressing that reporters should be able to carry out their professional duties without undue interference while adhering to established ethical standards.
The conference support forms part of NPA’s broader efforts to promote a vibrant civic space and strengthen democratic institutions in South Sudan through partnerships with media organisations and civil society actors.
Speaking during the event, Robert Afedra, NPA’s Interim Country Director, highlighted the critical role the media plays in advancing transparency, accountability and citizen engagement.
He congratulated South Sudan’s journalists and media organisations for commemorating World Press Freedom Day and praised their contribution to informing citizens and facilitating public discourse on national issues.
“A professional and independent media is essential for democratic development, accountability and peacebuilding,” Afedra said.
He noted that the media serves as the “fourth estate,” providing citizens with information, amplifying public voices and fostering dialogue on issues that affect communities across the country.
“The media is a vital tool in amplifying citizen voices, safeguarding peace and democracy, and providing visibility for government programmes and national development initiatives,” he said.
Afedra also praised the Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS) for organising the conference and creating a platform for constructive engagement between journalists and security actors.
He further acknowledged the support of international partners, diplomatic missions, United Nations agencies and both national and international non-governmental organisations working to strengthen media practice and civic participation in South Sudan.
Over the years, NPA has partnered with several media institutions and professional associations, including AMDISS, the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS), the Community Radio Network (CRN), the Community Media Network and other media development organisations.
According to Afedra, these partnerships reflect NPA’s recognition of the indispensable role that independent journalism plays in fostering good governance and ensuring citizens have access to credible information.
“Through our civil society partnership programme, we continue to support media organisations that promote accountability, transparency and public participation,” he said.
He stressed that healthy relations between journalists and security agencies are essential for creating an environment in which both institutions can effectively fulfill their respective mandates.
“It is upon this fundamental principle that NPA continues to advocate for constructive coexistence between the media and the country’s security organs,” Afedra said. “Such collaboration contributes to a stronger and more professional media fraternity capable of serving the public interest.”
NPA has maintained a presence in South Sudan for approximately four decades, implementing programmes that range from humanitarian assistance and mine action to peacebuilding, governance and civil society strengthening.
The organisation says supporting media development remains a key component of its efforts to promote inclusive governance and sustainable peace.
As South Sudan moves toward elections, stakeholders increasingly view professional journalism as a cornerstone for informed political participation, conflict prevention and national cohesion.
For NPA, investing in the media sector is not only about strengthening institutions but also about ensuring that citizens have access to accurate information and platforms through which their voices can be heard.
Afedra said NPA envisions a media landscape that is independent, professional and capable of balancing constructive scrutiny of public institutions with responsible reporting that contributes to peace and development.
He cautioned against the misuse of media platforms, noting that irresponsible reporting can undermine public trust and social cohesion.
“The misuse of media platforms can be detrimental, and we hope that it should not be a testament in South Sudan,” he said. “As journalists continue to play a critical role in the country’s democratic processes, they must exercise that responsibility professionally and ethically.”
The conference concluded with renewed calls for stronger collaboration between media practitioners and security institutions, with participants emphasizing that mutual understanding and respect are essential to safeguarding press freedom while promoting national stability.
For NPA, the event represented another milestone in its enduring partnership with the people of South Sudan and its commitment to nurturing a media sector that contributes to democracy, accountability, and lasting peace.
