About 20 journalists, social media influencers and youth communicators in Eastern Equatoria state have received training on countering hate speech, misinformation and disinformation as part of efforts to promote peacebuilding and social cohesion.
The one-day training, held in Torit on Saturday, focused on conflict-sensitive reporting and responsible digital communication, with participants urged to consider the impact of their reporting and online posts in communities affected by conflict and social tensions.
The training was organised by Ideal Africa Initiative South Sudan and brought together media practitioners and young digital communicators to strengthen their ability to identify harmful content and produce information that supports peaceful coexistence.
Esther Henry Apio, programme coordinator at Ideal Africa Initiative South Sudan, said journalists have a responsibility beyond reporting events.
“Journalists are not just reporters of events, but you are builders of peace,” she said, urging participants to recognise the potential impact of every story, headline and social media post they publish.
“Words can heal, or words can wound. A headline can either divide or unite,” she said.
The training comes as social media has become a major channel for the rapid spread of rumours, inflammatory messages and misleading information.
Itiara Magret, a participant representing social media influencers, said the training had improved her understanding of misinformation and online scams.
“Before, I did not know about false information and scams, but today I have learned a lot,” she said, calling for more training for young people who use social media.
Local journalist Ohide Sisto Germano said the skills acquired would help journalists produce content that supports peacebuilding rather than deepening divisions.
“The knowledge that we have gained will help journalists ensure that the content we report contributes to peacebuilding and countering hate speech,” he said.
Paul Jalingo Kenyi, director general in the Eastern Equatoria State Ministry of Information and Communication, commended the initiative and urged participants to apply what they had learned in their communities.
“You, the journalists, are playing a very big role in peacebuilding and disseminating peace to our community,” Kenyi said.
He called for continued training and support for journalists to help them respond to misinformation, hate speech and conflict, while stressing that peacebuilding was a shared responsibility.
“Bringing actual peace is the collective responsibility of all of us, not only the journalists,” he said.
The training also included the development of locally relevant conflict-sensitive content plans and practical media outputs.
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