Gov’t spokesman attacks independent UN radio claiming it is ‘disseminating hate and dividing’ citizens

JUBA – South Sudan’s information minister and government spokesman Michael Makuei Lueth has attacked the UN-funded independent Miraya FM, claiming that it is disseminating hate speech and dividing citizens of the world’s youngest country.

Makuei made the remarks on Wednesday during a function marking International Day to End Impunity Against Journalists where he also claimed that US journalist Christopher Allan who was killed while covering fighting between government and rebel forces in 2017 was a rebel.

Speaking to journalists, Makuei said that despite a government order banning Radio Miraya from covering evens in the world’s youngest country, the independent media house has continued to make it to the events in one way or another.

“We have an order prohibiting Miraya FM from attending functions, but nevertheless they are coming in a way or another or some of you are supplying them with the information. This is what is happening. And some of you are collaborating with them and you are supplying them with information,” he said.

The senior government official said Radio Miraya was established to [promoted peace, and claimed that it is now disseminating hate, dividing people.

“That Miraya FM was established for dissemination of peace, but it is now becoming …. disseminating hate speech, dividing people and so forth,” he said.

“These are some of the problems that we are facing and then people keep writing that there is a real violation of human rights and our own laws are being violated,” he added.