Lakes State: Security, Journalists Train on Media Access, Information Rights

More than 40 security personnel and journalists in Lakes State have completed a two-day training aimed at improving relations between the security sector and the media and strengthening access to information ahead of elections scheduled for December. The training in Rumbek brought together 30 security and information officers and 10 journalists from different media houses. It was organised by media consultant Paul Jimbo and the National Press Club, with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and UNESCO. “The intention of this training is basically to strengthen the relationship and see how the media and security can work closely,” Jimbo said. Participants discussed media ethics, access to information, freedom of expression, safety and protection of journalists, as well as ways to build trust between security personnel and the media. Lakes State police spokesperson Elijah Mabor Makuac called for the training to be extended to county-level security personnel, saying they would play an important role during the elections. “When elections come, those security personnel at the county level will be involved,” Makuac said. “If they are not trained and given this knowledge, what we are trying to solve here will be in vain.” Malok Mabeny, director general of the Lakes State Ministry of Information and Communication, said journalists need further training on election and conflict-sensitive reporting. Peter Machuei Ater, who represented journalists at the workshop, urged security officials to provide timely access to information, saying delays could hinder accurate reporting. He said journalists would adhere to the principles of truth, accuracy, balance and impartiality in their election coverage. South Sudan is scheduled to hold general elections on Dec. 22, 2026, after years of delays linked to political and security challenges.