Media Authority gave the Union of Journalists in South Sudan or UJOSS and the Association for Media Development in South Sudan or AMDISS one week ultimatum to register or be closed completely.
Acting head of AMDISS, Mary Ajith Goch, says she was surprised to receive a letter from the Authority suspending their operations.
She says the decision contradicts resolutions passed in a recent media workshop in which lawmakers, the Media Authority and some media practitioners attended.
Ajith explains that AMDISS is already a legal entity operating in the country since 2006 after it was legally registered with the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission.
She wonders why AMDISS must register again.
She adds that AMDISS board of trustees has agreed to response to the Media Authority’s demand so they can continue to carry out the Association’s activities.
The Acting head of AMDISS says it is better for them to try work with the Media Authority rather than engaging in confrontation.
Ajith pledges that AMDISS will continue advocating for freedom of the press in South Sudan in accordance with the provisions of the law.
Officials from the Union of Journalists of South Sudan declined to comment on their suspension.
Media authority suspended the two associations on Friday.