Our Background

Association for Media Development In South Sudan (AMDISS) was formed in 2003 before the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) of 2005. AMDISS was formed by South Sudanese journalists in the diaspora who are editors and owners of the leading media outlets for the then Southern Sudan, it started as a network through the internet/emails and it is a membership-based organization. There was no physical office at the time. Between 2004 and 2006, AMDISS held several consultative meetings with stakeholders. It met the leadership of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) in Nairobi in 2004 and articulated its position that was well received by the leading South Sudan political leadership.
It then moved and signed declarations e.g the Rumbek declaration 2005 and the Khartoum declaration 2007 for its inception and mandate.
AMDISS moved to Juba and set up an office in 2007. It established a secretariat and hired full-time staff such as the Executive Director, MDI Principal, Media Development Officer, Communication and Advocacy, Research, Finance, and other support staff. AMDISS was registered as an NGO in 2009 by the then Ministry of Legal Affairs and Constitutional Development of Southern Sudan. Today the AMDISS office is headquartered at the Media Development Institute (MDI) in South Sudan’s capital city Juba, located 150m Kokora Road Off- UNDP junction opposite Aron International Hotel.

Media Stakeholders Hold First Plenary Meeting for World Press Freedom Day Preparations

By Sam Pax / March 19, 2025

Juba, Wednesday, 19th March 2025 – This morning, the Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS), in collaboration with other media stakeholders, held the inaugural plenary meeting to kick-start preparations for World Press Freedom Day 2025, observed annually on May 3rd.
The meeting, which brought together over 20 media managers, was chaired by Ayaa Irene, the Director of AMDISS and Chairperson of the Committee for World Press Freedom Day. The discussions focused on brainstorming ideas and mapping out strategies for this year’s commemoration.
During the session, Ayaa Irene highlighted the significant challenges faced by the media, including funding cuts and the ongoing conflict affecting parts of the country.
She expressed concern over the rise of citizen journalism, which has amplified conflicts and escalated online hate speech. This, in turn, has caused citizens to distrust professional journalists and struggle to differentiate between credible media outlets and unregulated online blogs promoting hate and division.
“Currently, there’s rise of citizen journalism, which has amplified conflicts and has escalated online hate speech. This has caused citizens to distrust professional journalists,” Irene stated.
Ayaa emphasized the urgent need for media houses to combat hate speech by initiating online peace campaigns.
She encouraged the production of Public Service Announcements (PSAs) and the hosting of radio talk shows to counter harmful narratives and foster harmony.
The Director of AMDISS said, “I urge the media houses to start online peace campaigns messages through PSA’s and Radio Talk shows to counter hate speech as soon as possible.”
Expressing gratitude, Ayaa acknowledged the crucial role of media organizations in delivering accurate information during these challenging times.
She urged media houses to collaborate further by opening their platforms and offering airtime to disseminate key peace messages and engage the public positively.
As preparations for World Press Freedom Day continue, AMDISS calls on all media stakeholders to unite in promoting peace, trust, and credible journalism.

Success Stories

I was running a kiosk for charging cell phones to support my studies at MDI,” Peter Gatkuoth. “I also performed very well during my internship. I am so proud and happy about this hard-won award. It encourages me to do more in the field to win more awards and make difference in society.”
Peter Gatkuoth is one of the six MDI Alumni who won the award for exceptional writing on the humanitarian situation in South Sudan.
He encouraged his colleagues to devote themselves to educating, informing, and entertaining their audience regardless of the challenges facing the media space in the country.

Peter Gatkuoth, MDI AMDISS

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Media Stakeholders Hold First Plenary Meeting for World Press Freedom Day Preparations

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