Bol Akuar Gamar said recent incidents across the country demonstrate a growing trend of journalists abandoning their professional duties, engaging in politically motivated reporting, or taking actions that put them at odds with the government.
“Once you accept the role of being a journalist, you must understand its risks,” he said. “Some die in war reporting. It is a tough responsibility that requires you to follow the rules. Many journalists are overstepping their roles. I won’t name names, but some act as both reporters and agents of political parties.”
Gamar referenced a recent case in which a journalist was detained while covering a fire outbreak at the Customs Market in Juba. He said the reporter overstepped professional boundaries by immediately blaming the government rather than focusing on factual reporting.
The minister also condemned the increasing trend of “brown envelope” journalism, where reporters allegedly accept bribes to publish stories aimed at tarnishing the reputation of politicians or influencing public opinion.
“Bribery is taking root among journalists in South Sudan,” he warned. “These dangerous acts can land you in serious trouble and damage your reputation. You risk losing public trust and professional credibility.”
With elections approaching, Gamar appealed to journalists to remain neutral and disseminate accurate information to help citizens make informed decisions.
He delivered the remarks during a three-day workshop on journalist safety held in Aweil and organised by the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) with support from UNESCO. The training focuses on equipping reporters with skills to protect themselves before, during, and after the anticipated elections.
Workshop facilitator Paul Jimbo emphasised the importance of grounding journalism in truth, trust, impartiality, and adherence to legal frameworks to guide reporting in complex environments.
“Every assignment requires vigilance,” Jimbo said. “When you work ethically and smartly without causing harm or going off limits, you earn trust and integrity despite the challenges around you.”
The workshop, which began on Friday and concludes on Sunday, aims to strengthen the safety awareness of journalists and help them navigate the risks associated with reporting in South Sudan’s often challenging media landscape.
