Four South Sudanese media organizations have urged the government to investigate and prosecute those behind killings, threats, intimidation and harassment of journalists.
A joint statement issued Monday to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, by the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS), the Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS), the National Press Club of South Sudan (NPC-SS) and the Media Mentors Network (MeMN) said perpetrators must be held accountable for attacks on media workers.
The day is observed annually on 2 November, but South Sudanese media stakeholders will commemorate it on 18 November 2026. The UN General Assembly established the day through Resolution A/RES/68/163, in memory of two French journalists killed in Mali on 2 November 2013.
“Fighting impunity is a collective responsibility; ending it means holding those who order the commission of crimes against journalists accountable for their actions,” the statement said.
The groups also called for full implementation of the Right of Access to Information Act and the Media Authority Act. They said the laws should allow journalists to access public information and report freely without fear of censorship, intimidation or retaliation.
They also pledged to strengthen cooperation on challenges facing women journalists, particularly online harassment, intimidation and gender-based discrimination in newsrooms.
The call comes amid concern over unresolved killings of journalists in the country.
One such case is that of Marko Agei Makor, a 24-year-old reporter with Door (Peace) 99.9 FM in Tonj. He was shot dead by unknown gunmen on 1 July 2020 while travelling from Tonj town to visit his family in a village. His killing has reportedly been under investigation since 2024, but no one has been brought to justice.
According to UJOSS records, at least 12 journalists, 11 South Sudanese and one foreigner, have been killed since 2012 without any case ending in justice. Most were reportedly killed by unknown gunmen.
The only case the government investigated, the union says, was that of American-British journalist Allen Christopher, who was killed in crossfire between government and opposition forces in Kaya. A government report released in March 2024 concluded he died in the crossfire. UJOSS says the probe followed pressure from Western governments and his family.
Media stakeholders say authorities must go beyond investigations to identify, prosecute and punish those responsible, arguing that protecting journalists is essential to press freedom, accountability and the public’s right to information.
According to the UN, ending impunity for crimes against journalists is one of the most important and complex challenges of recent times. It is an essential precondition to guarantee freedom of expression and access to information for all citizens.
and then