By Otto Abut
The Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS), with support from the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA South Sudan), has launched a three-day refresher training workshop on courtroom reporting for journalists in Juba.
The training follows a recent AMDISS research, which highlighted a shortage of professional journalists specialized in court reporting, a gap that allegedly became evident during the ongoing high-profile special court trial of eight SPLA-IO officials, including the suspended First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar Teny.
Held under the theme “Equipping Journalists with Skills to Report Effectively on Court Proceedings,” the workshop was officially opened on Monday by Hon. David Yau Yau, Deputy Minister of Information, Communication Technology, and Postal Services.
In his remarks, Hon. Yau Yau urged the participating journalists to emerge from the workshop as specialized and trusted voices capable of translating complex legal matters into language the public can understand.
“I challenge each of you to emerge from this workshop as specialized experts, the trusted voice that translates the complexities of the law into understandable language for the public. Uphold the constitutional role of the press, respect the judiciary, and serve your nation by delivering the truth with responsibility and honor,” said Yau Yau.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting AMDISS and other efforts aimed at strengthening professional and responsible journalism in South Sudan.
“The Ministry of Information, Communication, Telecom, and Postal Services stands ready to support AMDISS and all initiatives that enhance the capacity of professional and responsible media in South Sudan,” he added.
Speaking at the event, AMDISS Chairperson Ms. Josephine Achiro emphasized that the training provides a platform for journalists to share experiences and learn from one another.
“We thought it would be good to bring journalists together to share skills, experiences, and learn from one another. We believe learning has no end — it is a continuous process and commitment,” said Ms. Achiro.
The opening ceremony was also attended by several dignitaries, including Hon. Moyiga Nduru, Commissioner for Access to Information; Hon. Elijah Alier Kuai, Managing Director of the Media Authority; Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai, Spokesperson of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), and Justice Abraham Majur Laat from the Judiciary.