By John Agok
The Acting Minister of Information for Western Bahr El Ghazal State Kamilo Dimo promised his government will do more to promote press freedom and freedom of speech during celebration to mark World Press Freedom Day.
Dimo while speaking on Friday during World Press Freedom Day celebrations in Wau town, commended the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) and partners for supporting and protecting media freedom in South Sudan.
World Press Freedom Day is globally celebrated on May 3rd. This year theme is “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights”.
Dimo also paid tribute to fallen journalists during a minute of silence held for them.
Ajak Ayak, the UJOSS Representative called for unity among journalists in the state and cautioned them to cooperate with authorities.
“We want to see unity of journalists in Wau and encourage diversity; you should demonstrate the level of professionalism. They should also cooperate with state authorities by writing stories accurately,” Ayak said.
She said the mandate of UJOSS includes building the capacity, safety and protection of Journalists and also to advocate for their welfare.
Stephen Robu Moses, the State Coordinator for Community Empowerment for Organization (CEPO), expressed concern on the shrinking space for media and civic engagement in the country.
“We look forward for the government to encourage freedom of expression, to improve the shrinking space for civic engagement and media. It is vital to have open space for dialogue between citizens and government using media as a bridge,” he said.
The event in Wau town was organized by the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) with funding from its partners.
