South Sudan Media landscape continues to deteriorate as media and media workers become targets and viewed as Enemies of the state in the post-independence era.
The very medium that was once used as a mouthpiece of the liberators during the liberation struggle against the oppressive Arabs regime in Sudan is now being target for the same purpose by the very liberators that they used to called it “Ally.”
Koang Pal Chang, station manager of Eye Radio, recalls and reflects on the deteriorating relationship between journalists and the government in South Sudan.
He painted a stark contrast between the pre-independence era; when journalists were seen as partners in the liberation struggle and the post-independence reality, where media practitioners are increasingly viewed as Enemies and threats.
“Before the independence of South Sudan, journalists used to be the darlings of the then regional government. The government used to cooperate with the journalists. There were no harassment, arrest, and torture of journalists,” Chang recalled. “But after the independence, the government began changing its engagement with the journalists. We [Journalists] literally become enemies of the ruling elites,” he added.
Koang revealed that he has received direct threats from army generals and senior government officials. One chilling remark made to him was, “You’re alive because we don’t kill unarmed civilians.” Another official finger pointed him as “You’re talking too much.”
These threats are emblematic of a broader climate of fear and repression that has gripped South Sudan’s media space.
Journalists are routinely harassed, detained, and intimidated for simply doing their jobs. The shift from cooperation to confrontation has not only endangered lives but also undermined the democratic promise that independence once symbolized.
Koang’s courage to speak out is a reminder that press freedom is not a luxury, it is a cornerstone of accountability and justice.
As South Sudan approaches critical political milestones, including anticipated elections, the role of independent media must be protected, not persecuted.
Koang Pal made the remarks in a panel discussion during the Media Stakeholders Forum organized by AMDISS with support from NPA.