By Bida Elly David
The minister of Information and Government’s spokesperson has refuted criticisms by some countries on the account that South Sudan failed to endow freedom of expression to its citizens and press noting that their laws are the strongest in the region.
Addressing journalists yesterday in preparation to cover the Papal event, Michael Makuei, the government’s spokesperson said that the country grants its citizens freedom of expression although not fully and absolute.
“In South Sudan there is freedom of expression but at the same time mind you there is no freedom that is absolute. If you commit an offence which does not relate with journalism or any, don’t claim that it is related when you are arrested’’ he added.
He said that the role of South Sudan journalists was to evaluate the external reports from other countries concerning the blames in a well-articulated format to prove the denunciations.
“Most of the reports have been going outside countries, that South Sudanese are killed in Juba. Your coming here is to prove that all the reports being written are correct or not. You journalists are the first pillars of any government’’ he said.
Makuei commended the national journalists for being well organized pillars of the government when coming to dissemination of information but urged them to use ethics to avoid being thrown into the Lion’s den for inaccuracy.
“If you are the first pillar of the government, then you need to project the real picture of South Sudan. If South Sudan is not stable, there will be no reason for the Holy Father to come. You the national journalists know all about our situation” he said.
He warned journalists against promoting chaos and writing ill about South Sudan calling them to use ethics during the comprehensive coverage of the Papal event.
“I am very optimistic that South Sudan will make to be a peaceful country but not as it is written by some journalists of chaos and instability. The rules and regulations created are to open a good atmosphere to cover the event” he said.
However, Makuei called on the watchdogs to adhere to security directives during the event stating that there should be positive cooperation until the occasion finishes.
“If the security organs direct you on unnecessary movement of going this way and that way, please cooperate. There have been so many talks that South Sudan does not render freedom of expression but our laws are the most advance in the East African region” he said.
On his part, Fr. John the representative of the Vatican Embassy called on the government to collaborate with the journalists to ensure ethical reporting of the event.
He said that it is the role of the Church, the government and the media to ensure that Papal event is well covered with no challenges and loopholes.