Media practitioners in Western Bahr El Ghazal demanded the enactment of media laws to elevate the standard of journalism and protect journalists to foster features of good governance.
A number of journalists told Voice of Hope during the celebration of World Press Freedom Day in Wau that the absence of media laws gave chance to security personnel to use and abuse the media as they wished.The journalists called the National Legislative Assembly to pass the media bills as soon as possible.
James Deng Dimo, Secretary of Journalist Union in Western Bahr El Ghazal, said that media is the cornerstone of good governance and a mirror for government to reflect its image.
He added that the three media bills were in the Parliament for too long and that it was very dangerous for journalists to work without regulations and laws.
Almasiir Chief Editor Mathiang Chirilo said the delay of the media bills affected the work of journalists, severely leading to rampant and prolong detention of media practitioners.
Mr Mathiang added that it was very important to establish media institutions and colleges in Universities to train journalists.
South Sudan dropped 12 places in the Report without Borders 2013 World Press Freedom Index Ð to place number 124 out of 180 countries ranked Ð due to the bitter relationship between the security forces and journalists.