More than 30 journalists from Yambio FM, Anisa FM and freelance media practitioners in Western Equatoria State have begun a three-day training on conflict-sensitive monitoring and reporting ahead of South Sudan’s general elections scheduled for December 2026.
The training, organised by the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) Yambio branch with support from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), aims to strengthen ethical, balanced and professional reporting during the electoral period.
UJOSS Yambio branch secretary Emmanuel Mandela thanked the UNMISS Human Rights Division for its continued support to journalists and efforts to promote press freedom in Western Equatoria State.
He urged media practitioners to uphold factual reporting and avoid misinformation and hate speech.
“Our journalists are facing numerous challenges, including limited working materials, inadequate training opportunities and financial constraints,” Mandela said. “More than 100 active journalists working in seven radio stations in Yambio, Maridi, Mvolo and Mundri East need support and capacity building.”
He said the training should be used to exchange experiences and reinforce professional ethics ahead of the elections.
A representative of the UNMISS Human Rights Division in Western Equatoria State, Opubo Goodhead, said the mission remained committed to supporting media freedom and ensuring a safe operating environment for journalists.
“As we approach the elections, journalists have a critical role in identifying issues affecting communities, including communal conflicts, and reporting them in a manner that prevents violence and promotes peaceful coexistence,” he said.
He added that UNMISS was engaging state authorities to ensure journalists and civil society groups operate without intimidation or interference.
Johnson Juma Batal, an advocate and legal secretary of UJOSS, said the training was timely as South Sudan prepares for elections.
“During these three days, journalists will exchange ideas and experiences on election preparedness and the role of the media in promoting peaceful and credible elections,” he said.
Senior journalist and trainer Sheila Ponnie urged journalists to reflect on their reporting practices and ensure their work promotes peace.
“The words we choose, the headlines we write, the quotes we use and even the photographs we publish can either escalate tensions or help communities understand one another better,” she said.
She cautioned journalists against publishing information without assessing its potential impact on society.
“As journalists, we must think carefully before posting or publishing stories. We should avoid bias and reporting that can harm communities or create divisions,” she said.
Ponnie added that while conflict remains newsworthy, it must be reported accurately, fairly and ethically.
“Our words matter. The stories we tell matter. Therefore, we must ensure that our journalism informs, educates and promotes understanding rather than fuelling hatred, misinformation or violence,” she said.
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