Journalists Union Calls for Neutral Reporting Amid Violence in Parts of the Country

The President of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS), Oyet Patrick Charles, has called on journalists to maintain neutrality when reporting conflict-related stories amidst ongoing violence in parts of the country.

Oyet made these remarks on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, during a roundtable breakfast meeting organized by UJOSS and supported by the Norwegian People’s Aid in Juba. He emphasized the crucial role journalists play in shaping public perception, urging them to avoid writing stories that could escalate tensions.

“As UJOSS, we urge journalists to remain neutral in their reporting on violence. Our writings should not promote war; instead, they should aim to reduce conflict through responsible and balanced reporting,” he stressed.

The event also featured speeches from key figures, including the Spokesperson for the National Transitional Legislative Assembly, Oliver Mori, who advised journalists to uphold professional ethics and write stories that reflect the realities of South Sudan without bias. “If you stick to your profession without bias, nothing will happen to you,” Mori assured.

The panel discussion, which also included NSS Spokesperson David Kumuri and media trainer Marina Juan Modi, focused on the importance of press freedom as a fundamental pillar for strengthening democracy in South Sudan.

The meeting underscored the responsibility of the media in promoting peace and unity during challenging times and emphasized the need for professional and ethical journalism to safeguard the country’s democratic values.