By Kei Emmanuel Duku
Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) plans a training program to strengthen civil-military relations
The initiative will bring together 50 personnel from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and 30 journalists for joint sessions.
This development came after UJOSS representatives met with army spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai on Monday at Bilpham Military Headquarters in Juba.
The training, scheduled to commence early in June, will address critical aspects of safety, cooperation, and awareness.
It will be particularly relevant for operations in conflict zones and sensitive areas where both journalists and security forces operate.
UJOSS President Oyet Patrick emphasized the importance of this collaborative effort.
“The workshop will help bridge the gap between media professionals and security organs,” Oyet stated, “and also help ensure both sides are better informed about each other’s roles. There is a need for a stronger understanding between the media and the military.”
The meeting on Monday, May 26, 2025, was led by UJOSS Chairperson Oyet Patrick and Safety and Protection Officer Johnson Juma.
They met with SSPDF Major General Lul Ruai to explore how both institutions can work together more effectively.
Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai welcomed the initiative, describing it as “timely and much-needed.” He added that “a safer environment for journalists ultimately contributes to better information dissemination for the public.”
This collaborative training program marks a significant step towards improving press freedom and safety conditions in South Sudan.
By bringing together these two crucial groups, UJOSS aims to create a framework for greater understanding, professional conduct, and ultimately, a more secure landscape for independent reporting across the nation.
“We appreciate UJOSS for taking this step forward; these are the kinds of initiatives we have been waiting for,” Maj. Gen. Ruai noted.
Should it come to pass, the planned workshop will be one of the first formal engagements conducted in Bilpham specifically aimed at building trust and improving working relations between journalists and military personnel in South Sudan.
In the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) on World Press Freedom Day, South Sudan was ranked 109th out of 180 countries. This marks a significant improvement from its 2024 ranking of 136th.
According to RSF, this rise is primarily attributed to a decrease in reported incidents of direct violence, arrests, and detention against journalists. Some South Sudanese journalists have also noted this positive shift as a reflection of fewer such incidents compared to previous years.
However, the report also highlights persistent challenges that continue to affect press freedom in South Sudan, including intimidation and harassment, difficulties in accessing information, economic hardship, and ongoing conflicts.