Several civil society groups have asked the government to open up civic and political space to enhance public participation on issues of national concern that are essential for the promotion of development in the country.
“The shrinking civic space is a concern for all, we in civil society, believe that the space is not there, our constitution 2011 as amended has provided all freedoms, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of association, unfortunately, we felt that those freedom are not there for us,” said Galdino Ochama Ojok, the Chairperson for South Sudan Civil Society Forum during a dialogue on opening up of civic space in Juba.
He noted that in a democratic society, freedom of speech, freedom of association, and freedom of assembly is the cornerstone for thriving democracy.
Oyet Patrick Charles, the President of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) said that there has been some improvement in terms of freedom for journalists to operate unhindered in the country.
“I can say, there is an improvement as far as the media work and civic space is concerned, however, there are issues, as we advocate for civic space we should not misuse the civic space, we should not abuse it, it is very important we use our civic space properly,” said Charles.
David John Kumuri, the Director of Public Relations for the National Security Services said that National Security Services respect fundamental freedoms including freedom of speech and freedom of assembly.
“We need to respect fundamental freedoms and the National Security Services recognize that, with the issue of inclusive participation, the right is being given by the constitution. I understand there are violations and abuses of power by individuals and not institutions,” said Kumuri.
Atong Majok Kur, the Chairperson for the Board of Directors at the South Sudan Media Authority said civic space includes provision of space for socio-cultural practices, adding that efforts are needed from the government to ensure the existence of civic space.
“The civic space is not only restricted to politics, you need to provide civic space for social-cultural issues as well, there is space but somehow shrinking,” said Kur.
Zechariah Manyok Biar, the Deputy Chairman of the Episcopal Mediation Advisory Team said that trust-building and friendship can be achieved by providing open civic space across the country.
“I ask the government to encourage people to talk among themselves, people should talk across ethnic groups, Facebook has taken the space and yet it is not healthy, it’s better to have face-to-face discussion inside the country,” said Biar.
Biar disclosed that trust can only be built if there is space for talking, adding that people have been censoring themselves due to fear of being arrested or persecuted by security operatives.
“If people can meet for important issues of the nation, this country can change,” he said.
