Heads of Missions in South Sudan urge the government to ensure that local and international journalists in the young country are free to report without fear.
Heads of Missions including European Union Delegation, Troika, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland say international journalists are free to visit and report on developments in the country
The Diplomats in a joint statement CRN saw on Thursday; express deep concerned by the exclusion of international journalists by the Government of South Sudan
They say freedom of expression plays an essential role in making peace and stability in South Sudan.
The heads of mission reiterates that the restrictions apply do not only to international journalists in South Sudan, but build on local media control.
They say restrictions indicate violation of international standards of freedom of expression.
The diplomats in another statement condemn the attack by armed opposition forces on a convoy on Juba–Nimule road on June 8.
The SPLA-IO statement taking responsibility for the attack demonstrates a callous disregard for civilian casualties, they point out.
The Heads of Mission strongly condemn all attacks upon unarmed civilians by the warring parties.
They reiterate the call by IGAD for all factions to immediately stop the fighting.