South Sudan: Distinguishing Journalism from Political Smear Campaigns

In South Sudan, Gen. Santo Akol Areech has been accused of planning to declare himself president in a move eerily reminiscent of the Burkinabé military officer currently serving as Interim President of Burkina Faso.

The distinction between journalism and political smear campaigns is crucial in fragile nations like South Sudan, where democratic stability relies heavily on professional standards of verification, public accountability, and rigorous fact-checking. Journalism informs the public through conflict-sensitive reporting, whereas political actors weaponize smear campaigns to deepen ethnic divisions, incite offline violence, and erode trust in public institutions.

The relevant statutes and regulations governing media in South Sudan include the Media Authority Act 2014, which establishes the Media Authority as the regulatory body responsible for ensuring compliance with media laws. The Act also provides for the establishment of a complaints mechanism to address grievances related to media content. Furthermore, the South Sudanese Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and the right to information.

The key parties involved in this matter include Gen. Santo Akol Areech, Private Secretary in the Office of the President, as well as various media outlets that have published speculative claims about his intentions. The Media Authority is also a relevant party, given its role in regulating the media and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.

Practitioners should be aware of the importance of verifying information before publication to avoid spreading misinformation and damaging reputations. They should also be mindful of the potential consequences of publishing speculative claims, which can erode trust in public institutions and exacerbate ethnic divisions.