A group of South Sudanese artists has called on the government to urgently pass a long-delayed copyright law, arguing that the current legal vacuum leaves them vulnerable to exploitation.
The musicians and creatives said the absence of legislation has allowed for widespread piracy and misuse of their work for more than a decade, making it difficult to earn a living.
They made the appeal at a joint press conference in the capital, Juba.
Artist Meen Mabior Meen, known as Manimen, told reporters on Saturday that the group was appealing directly to President Salva Kiir to intervene and ensure the legislation is passed.
“For over 10 years we have been battling with the push of the copyright law,” he said. “Artist work has constantly been at risk of theft, piracy, and misuse.”
He argued that a “comprehensive and enforceable law” was needed to “restore dignity, confidence, and motivation among artists across the country.”
The artists stated that the lack of clear legal protections has discouraged younger talents and hampered the growth of the country’s cultural industry.
Art Centre Proposed
Alongside their demand for copyright law, the artists announced a separate initiative called the 64 Artists Peace Caravan.
They said the caravan is designed to support peace efforts and promote national unity through artistic expression across all of South Sudan’s 10 states and three administrative areas.
Mabior said the initiative would also work to encourage public understanding of the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS).
He praised President Kiir’s “steadfast leadership” on peace and said their initiative aligned with his vision for stability.
The group also proposed the establishment of a Kiir Mayardit Art Centre, which they envision as a national hub for talent development and youth empowerment.
According to Mabior, the centre would provide training, equipment, and rehabilitation opportunities for at-risk youth.
“There are artists who have worked for more than 15 years without benefiting from their craft,” he said. “A dedicated space would transform lives and give youth a meaningful path.”