Deep cuts in global media funding are worsening an already fragile environment for journalists in South Sudan, where censorship, intimidation and restricted access to information remain pervasive, officials warned Saturday on World Press Freedom Day.
Patrick Oyet, president of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS), said the reductions raise serious concerns about the future of independent journalism in the country.
International donors, including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), have significantly scaled back or suspended financial support for media projects, sending shockwaves through South Sudan’s press corps. The loss of funding has forced several community radio stations to cut operations or shut down entirely, leaving many journalists unemployed.
“The cut in funding to media houses is negatively impacting press freedom because the quality of the work will definitely be compromised,” Oyet said.
Most media outlets that relied on foreign funding operated with greater independence, Oyet noted. Now, as they seek local financing, he warned that news quality could suffer.
He also highlighted the risks of local financial dependencies, saying media outlets may shy away from criticizing powerful entities—including those accused of corruption—if they rely on them for advertising or sponsorships.
Community radio stations, particularly those broadcasting in local languages in rural areas, are especially vulnerable, Oyet said.
“These have been very important for communicating directly with rural populations in a language they understand,” he said. “If that funding is not there, they will not be able to maintain their solar systems, buy fuel for generators, or pay staff, and will have to close down.”
The Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS) echoed those concerns, warning that dozens of local radio stations dependent on international aid face imminent closure. Without funding, AMDISS said, coverage of critical issues will decline, civic education will weaken, and platforms for dialogue between citizens and leaders will disappear.
Financial pressures are not the only threat to media freedom. Government interference is also increasing. A 2023 report by the U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan documented cases of journalists facing surveillance, intimidation and arbitrary arrest. Advocates fear the loss of international support could make matters worse.
Human rights groups, including the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), are calling for intervention.
“Supporting independent media is not charity; it is a necessary investment in peace, accountability and democratic governance,” said CEPO Executive Director Edmund Yakani.
World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3, was established by the U.N. General Assembly in 1993 to promote the importance of a free press. The day highlights challenges journalists face, including censorship and violence, while honoring those who have died in pursuit of the truth.