Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJoSS) has appealed to presidential press secretary Lily Adhieu Martin to lobby for the protection of journalists across the country.
The plea came after the UJoSS met Adhieu on Monday.
“We as a union appeal to the office of the president through the press secretary to support us in promoting the safety and protection of journalists,” Oyet Patrick, chairperson of UJoSS, said.
He said the role of journalists in the country remained essential as they continued to disseminate information to the public.
The meeting focused on strengthening the working relations between the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) and the office of the president, according to a statement posted by UJoSS on its Facebook page.
Oyet called on the presidential press secretary to work closely with the union towards ensuring a favourable environment for the media and journalists.
“We stand ready to work together, and if you need help from us in any way so that we improve working relations, we are ready,” he appealed.
Adhieu promised to create opportunities for the country’s journalists to have interviews with President Salva Kiir.
“I commit to bridging the gap between the office of H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit, journalists, and the public. “During my tenure, journalists will be given priority to interact with the president,” Adhieu said.
Adhieu revealed that plans are underway for journalists to be invited to meet the president and interact.
She said that the office is preparing to credit some journalists, specifically those who will be assigned to report from the office of the president.
Last week, UJOSS called on the authorities to expedite the investigation into the six journalists working in South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) who have been detained by internal security.
The plea made by UJoSS comes at a time that many bodies have been calling for a friendlier environment for the media and citizens who wish to air their views on matters of national progress.
The meeting came on the eve of a chilling report by UNESCO that 10 of the 86 journalists killed in the world, last year, were from South Sudan.
Source: The City Review South Sudan
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