South Sudan journalists’ body says colleague’s expulsion from Warrap violates constitution

JUBA – The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) has said that this week’s expulsion of a UN journalist from Warrap state by Governor Aleu Anyieny is a violation of the transitional constitution of South Sudan.

In a letter addressed to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan’s head of field office in Warrap, journalist Mayang Mayom who has to leave within 72 hours was involved in activities the governor says threatens peace and stability in the state.

In a statement, the UJOSS says it “believes expulsion of Manyang clearly undermines articles 24, 27 and 32 of the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan, 2011 as amended. Article 24 provides for freedom of expression, article 27 allows for freedom of movement and residence and article 32 provides for access to information.”

“Governor Hon. Lt. Gen. Aleu Ayieny Aleu should have followed the right procedures
if the state had deemed journalist Manyang Mayom was/is practicing unethical journalism,” added the statement.

It then said the journalist body “considers the action of governor as major threat to freedom of expression in the country. UJOSS calls for revocation of the order of the expulsion of journalist Manyang Mayom.”