By Peter Gai Manyuon
February 2, 2015 (SSNA) — Journalism is gathering, processing, and dissemination of news and information related to the news to an audience. The word applies to both the method of inquiring for news and the literary style which is used to disseminate it. However in the Republic of South Sudan, Journalism is taken as the threat, terrorism or criminal offence by President Kiir and his entire government from national and state levels. Journalists ended up being killed on daily basis or yearly in the Country. What a disgrace?
In a democratic society, however, access to free information plays a central role in creating a system of checks and balance, and in distributing power equally amongst governments, businesses, individuals, and other social entities. Access to verifiable information gathered by independent media sources, which adhere to journalistic standards, can also be of service to ordinary citizens, by empowering them with the tools they need in order to participate in the political process but in reality, Journalists are look as Terrorists, criminals by the Government of South Sudan. Very disappointing scenario!
Journalism is not terrorism or a crime but it’s the unique profession that highlights the wrongs and good things societies/individuals do on daily basis. There is no Country that could work effectively without Media in place; it’s through Journalism as the profession that helps in disseminating of information to globe and societies.
Moreover, Killing of Journalists in South Sudan yearly is not the solution for the current problem that was initiated by the group consists of hooligans; self-proclaimed leaders that are half way educated but rather it will increase the weaknesses of the state from International arena perspective, which indeed is becoming justifiable.
However, Killings professional Journalists of reporting realities, factual about the government, is absolutely abuse of the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan 2011, human rights and dignity of South Sudanese people. Fact must be said my dear countrymen and ladies!
Hence, according to different reports, the journalists killed in an attack in Wau last month January were; the Director for Raja Radio station, Musa Mohammed, popularly known as Musa Abu Elkalam, South Sudan Television (SSTV) Photographer, Boutros Martin Khamis, Raja Radio Journalists Randa George, Musa Adam, and Dalia Marko respectively. In fact, what shows that, there is government in place in South Sudan? Is that government for people or individuals or for family?
True speaking, this is a well calculated strategy by the government of South Sudan to eliminate Journalists in that way. Each and every year, there are reports about killing and disappearance of Journalists in South Sudan. Frankly Isaiah Abraham was killed intentionally in December 2012 at his residence at Gudele by Juba security
Who can deny the fact that South Sudan is a failed state number one globally? How can Journalists be killed intentionally by their government frequently? Are there no institutions that protect the rights and lives of Journalists globally? And if yes, why don’t they go to Juba and calls for the Persecution of the culprits who ordered for the killing of five Journalists?
Absolutely, something must be done by all the Human rights institutions globally unless otherwise, world is celebrating the ongoing killings and persecution of Journalists in the Republic of South Sudan.
I am requesting all Journalists across South Sudan to mourn their colleagues for specific period of time!
The Author is an Independent Journalist and Columnist who has written extensively on issues of Democratization processes and Human Rights in South Sudan. Follow him on www.independentjournalistpgm.wordpress.com.