By Deng Ghai Deng
Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) and the Association for Media Development In South Sudan (AMDISS) have expressed their satisfaction with the reopening of Al-Watan Arabic Daily newspaper.
The Arabic daily newspaper was forcibly shut down in November 2023 after it published a letter allegedly signed by President Salva Kiir, expressing condolences to Israel following attacks on its civilians by Hamas.
The controversial letter, which appeared as sponsored content on the newspaper’s front page, was sent prematurely to Al-Watan by then Youth and Sports Minister Albino Bol Dhieu who was subsequently dismissed five weeks later, on November 17, according to the newspaper’s management.
Michael Christopher, Al-Watan’s editor-in-chief, confirmed to No 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper that the Media Authority has lifted the suspension, granting authorization for the Arabic daily to resume publication.
Oyet Patrick Charles, the president of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) said the newspaper’s return to circulation is a positive step toward fostering an informed and engaged citizenry of South Sudan.
“UJOSS will continue to engage with all stakeholders in the country to ensure that journalists work in a free and safe environment,” Patrick stated.
As the transitional period nears its end and preparations for anticipated general elections begin, the demand for credible information grows, according to AMDISS.
“For eight long months, Al-Watan readers have been left in the dark due to the shutdown of their beloved newspaper,” stated AMDISS. “Today, we are relieved to receive the news that Al Watan has been given the green light to resume publication.”
The statement further said that most of the South Sudanese public heavily relies on the media to stay informed and express their views on civic and political matters in the country.
Media outlets and journalists in South Sudan are often the targets especially when highlighting human rights violations, corruption, and abuse of power, according to UN Commission on Human Rights
South Sudan ranks 136 out of 180 on the 2024 World Press Freedom Index by advocacy group Reporters without Borders