Association for Media Development in South Sudan, AMDISS, Union of Journalists of South Sudan or UJOSS, Media Women and the National Editors Forum are deeply concerned over the statements and warning against the media.
The bodies in a joint statement say government spokesperson Michael Makuei’s declarations on Tuesday constitute a threat and cruelty on the work of the media.
They say the statement such as ‘stopping direct calls from citizens to express their views on radio talk shows’ amounts to undermining the freedom of expression and media in the Transitional Constitutions of South Sudan.
They say minister’s ‘warning opinion writers on their views on the political processes such as the 28 new states’ is another threat to media personnel.
AMDISS, UJOSS, AMWISS and NEF appeal to concerned authorities to follow the right procedures and table it to the legally mandated bodies to regulate the work of media.
The bodies encourage the media fraternity to continue in their work to inform, educate entertain the citizens of South Sudan and be watch dogs against abuses in public offices.
They cautioned journalists to be mindful about the code of conduct and ethics of journalism while exercising their work.
AMDISS, UJOSS, AMWISS and NEF request authorities to provide favorable environment for the media during the implementation of the peace agreement for economic prosperity in the country.