By Ginaba Lino
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development, IGAD, and its partners have launched a three-day initiative in Juba to establish a national coordination platform to counter hate speech and disinformation in South Sudan.
The initiative brings together government institutions, civil society, media organizations, academia and development partners to strengthen information-sharing, early warning and coordinated responses to harmful information.
The workshop is being organized with IGAD’s Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism, the African Union Commission, the Office of the United Nations Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, UNDP and the UN Human Rights Office.
IGAD Head of Mission to South Sudan, Dr. Victoria Anib, said the initiative comes at an important time as South Sudan prepares for elections, constitution-making and other peacebuilding processes.
She said digital platforms have increased opportunities for public participation but have also accelerated the spread of misinformation, disinformation and harmful narratives.
“The proposed national multi-agency coordination platform is envisioned as a collaborative mechanism that brings together government institutions, civil society, media actors, academia, and development partners.”
Anib said the platform would not replace the responsibilities of existing institutions but would strengthen cooperation, information-sharing and coordinated responses.
Dr. Beleteze Foretia, representing the United Nations Office of the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, warned that hate speech and disinformation could deepen divisions, weaken trust between communities and contribute to political and security instability.
He stressed that efforts to address harmful information must respect freedom of expression, independent journalism, human rights and legitimate political participation.
“Countering hate speech and disinformation is therefore not simply about regulating information, but it is fundamentally about preventing conflict, protecting civilians, strengthening social cohesion and sustainable peace.”
Meanwhile, the Director General for Multilateral Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Riek Pouk, said tackling hate speech and disinformation requires collective responsibility.
He said the proposed platform would allow stakeholders to exchange information, develop common strategies and promote responsible public communication.
“For a country like South Sudan, which is pursuing peace, reconciliation, national cohesion, and sustainable development, addressing these challenges requires a coordinated, inclusive, and responsible national approach.”
The three-day workshop is expected to define coordination arrangements among participating institutions and identify practical measures for responding to hate speech and disinformation in South Sudan.