PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Friday, 3 May 2019, Juba, South Sudan

World Press Freedom Day 2019 observed in Juba

As the world marks this year’s World Press Freedom Day, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has emphasized on the importance of a free and credible media in the dissemination of information on the implementation of the peace agreement in South Sudan.

Speaking in Juba on Friday, during the commemoration of this year’s event, RJMEC Deputy Chief of Staff (Strategy) Dr. Thomson Fontaine said,

“We cannot stress enough the critical role of a free and credible press in South Sudan’s peace process and particularly in regards to efforts to keep the focus on the implementation (of the revitalized Agreement).” 

“While our role is to monitor the implementation of the Agreement, it is equally important that the message gets out to the people of South Sudan and you are the best placed to do so in a language, manner and form that your people best understand ,” he added.

The event themed “Enhancing Democracy and Freedom of Expression in the South Sudan Peace Process”also honoured South Sudan veteran journalist Alfred Taban who died on April 27, whom Dr. Fontaine described as a “resolute  defender of freedom of the press.”

“Just like Alfred, I encourage you to stay true to your crafts, stay true to what you believe in, report the news unfiltered and report truthfully,” he said.

Further, Dr. Fontaine highlighted progress made in the implementation of the revitalized Agreement, noting that some critical tasks remain pending. 

“Indeed, we have seen some progress made so far, but I also understand there is a lot of anxiety around the peace process specially as the Pre-Transitional period comes to an end,” he said.

“Critical tasks such as the unification of forces and the determination on the number of states remain to be undertaken. That’s why the Parties to the Agreement are now meeting in Addis Ababa to arrive at the best  way forward,” he said. 

The event organised by RJMEC in collaboration with UNMISS, UNESCO and CTSAMVM brought together at least 115 participants from the Media, Civil Society and representatives from the diplomatic missions in South Sudan.

ENDS