Lakes State: Security Media Access Training Boosts Election Prep

• Over 40 security personnel and journalists in Lakes State completed a two-day training in Rumbek to improve media-security relations.
• The program aimed to strengthen access to information and foster trust ahead of South Sudan's general elections scheduled for December 2026.
• Topics covered included media ethics, freedom of expression, journalist safety, and building mutual trust between the two sectors.
• Officials called for extending the training to county-level security personnel and for journalists to receive further specialized election and conflict-sensitive reporting instruction.
• The initiative was organized by media consultant Paul Jimbo and the National Press Club, with support from JICA and UNESCO.

This collaborative initiative is particularly critical given South Sudan's general elections are scheduled for December 22, 2026, a date set after multiple delays stemming from persistent political and security issues.

A significant two-day training program recently concluded in Rumbek, Lakes State, bringing together over 40 participants from both the security sector and the media. This Lakes State security media access training involved 30 security and information officers alongside 10 journalists representing various media organizations. The primary objective of the initiative was to foster improved relations between security forces and media professionals, ultimately enhancing public access to vital information.

Organized by media consultant Paul Jimbo and the National Press Club, the training received crucial support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and UNESCO. The collaborative effort aimed to bridge existing gaps and cultivate a more cooperative environment, particularly as South Sudan approaches its next general elections. The focus was squarely on strengthening the operational relationship between these two critical societal pillars, ensuring they can work in closer alignment.

The curriculum for the Rumbek journalist security training covered a comprehensive range of topics essential for a healthy media-security dynamic. Discussions included fundamental media ethics, principles of access to information, the importance of freedom of expression, and critical aspects of journalist safety and protection. A central theme throughout the sessions was the development of mutual trust between security personnel and media practitioners, recognizing that a strong, transparent relationship benefits the entire public.

According to Paul Jimbo, the media consultant involved, the core intention of this training was to reinforce the relationship between the two groups and explore avenues for more integrated collaboration. This emphasis on building trust and ensuring open communication is particularly pertinent for South Sudan election media relations, where accurate and timely information is crucial for an informed electorate and a stable political process. Promoting Lakes State freedom of expression through such initiatives is seen as a vital step towards democratic maturity.

Key stakeholders present at the training voiced their perspectives on its impact and future needs. Elijah Mabor Makuac, the spokesperson for the Lakes State police, advocated for the expansion of this training to include security personnel at the county level. He underscored their indispensable role during electoral periods, warning that without such knowledge, the progress made could be undermined. This highlights the need for a broader reach for such critical education.

Malok Mabeny, the Director General of the Lakes State Ministry of Information and Communication, also emphasized the necessity for journalists to receive additional specialized training, particularly in election and conflict-sensitive reporting. Representing the journalists, Peter Machuei Ater urged security officials to provide information promptly, noting that delays could impede accurate reporting. He also affirmed the journalists' commitment to upholding principles of truth, accuracy, balance, and impartiality in their election coverage, reinforcing the professional standards promoted by organizations like the National Press Club South Sudan and through JICA UNESCO media training initiatives.

This collaborative initiative is particularly critical given South Sudan's general elections are scheduled for December 22, 2026, a date set after multiple delays stemming from persistent political and security issues. The successful implementation of improved media access and enhanced freedom of expression, as targeted by this training, will be pivotal in ensuring a transparent and credible electoral process. The ability of journalists to report freely and securely, coupled with timely information from security forces, directly impacts public understanding and engagement.

For legal professionals advising media organizations, non-governmental organizations, or businesses operating within Lakes State, South Sudan, monitoring the practical application of these improved guidelines is essential. The effectiveness of information dissemination and the safety of journalists during the lead-up to the 2026 elections will have direct implications for public relations strategies and legal compliance concerning communications. This training represents a foundational step towards a more informed and stable environment as the nation prepares for its democratic exercise.

Lawyers advising media organizations, NGOs, or businesses operating in Lakes State, South Sudan, should monitor the practical implementation of improved media access and freedom of expression guidelines resulting from such trainings, especially concerning information dissemination and journalist safety during the lead-up to the 2026 elections. This could impact public relations strategies and legal compliance for communications.

Source: Original reporting via local South Sudanese reports