South Sudan Media Authority: Warns Against Election Hate Speech Before Polls

• The South Sudan Media Authority has warned against hate speech and inflammatory messages ahead of the December elections.
• Managing Director Ajuo Luol Akuai noted an increase in harmful digital communication, raising concerns for public peace and electoral credibility.
• The Authority identified instances of hate speech from online pages linked to political parties in Jonglei, Upper Nile, and Equatoria.
• Media practitioners are urged to ensure accuracy and impartiality, verifying information before publication to avoid amplifying divisive content.
• Individuals and entities engaging in unlawful conduct related to communication could face legal or regulatory consequences.

Individuals and media entities found engaging in unlawful conduct could face applicable legal or regulatory consequences, in strict adherence to the law and due process.

The South Sudan Media Authority has issued a strong caution to political figures, their supporters, and users of social media platforms regarding the dissemination of hate speech and inflammatory content. This warning, delivered by Ajuo Luol Akuai, the managing director of the Authority, during a press conference held in Juba on Monday, precedes the nation's December polls. Akuai highlighted a noticeable rise in detrimental and provocative communication across various digital channels, expressing significant apprehension about its potential adverse effects on public peace, national unity, and the integrity of the upcoming electoral process.

This escalating trend prompted the Authority to reiterate the crucial roles that both political candidates and media professionals must play in fostering calm electoral discussions and promoting responsible communication. The Authority specifically noted that it had documented instances of hate speech, primarily originating from online pages linked to certain political parties in the Jonglei, Upper Nile, and Equatoria regions. These observations underscore the urgency of the Media Authority's intervention to curb the spread of divisive rhetoric.

The Media Authority emphasized that ensuring peaceful elections is a collective national duty, extending to political candidates, their adherents, media practitioners, social media users, and the general populace. Political campaigns, the Authority stated, should serve as avenues for constructive dialogue, democratic engagement, and the exchange of ideas, rather than becoming platforms for inciting hatred, division, intimidation, or violence. Candidates and their supporters were strongly urged to conduct their campaigns peacefully, respect differing viewpoints, and abstain from making inflammatory statements or communications that could jeopardize public peace and stability.

For journalists and media organizations, the Authority underscored the imperative to uphold professional and ethical standards in their reporting, stressing the critical importance of accuracy and impartiality. It mandated that all information must be thoroughly verified prior to publication, and media outlets must not be utilized to amplify hate speech, unverified claims, or content capable of inciting violence. Furthermore, social media users and digital content creators were encouraged to exercise responsibility in the creation and sharing of information. The Authority confirmed its commitment to continuously monitor media content and collaborate with relevant institutions to address any violations falling within its jurisdiction. Individuals and media entities found engaging in unlawful conduct could face applicable legal or regulatory consequences, in strict adherence to the law and due process.

The South Sudan Media Authority's comprehensive warning against South Sudan Media Authority election hate speech is a critical step towards safeguarding the integrity and peaceful conduct of the December elections. The managing director, Ajuo Luol Akuai, articulated a clear vision for the electoral period, asserting that no political ambition or personal interest should ever come at the expense of the lives, safety, and unity of the South Sudanese people. He called upon all stakeholders to promote responsible communication and peaceful public engagement throughout the entire electoral cycle, encompassing civic education, political campaigns, voting, the announcement of results, and the post-election phase.

Looking ahead, the Authority has also announced its intention to launch a public awareness campaign specifically designed to combat hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation during the electoral period. The implementation of this initiative, however, remains contingent upon securing the necessary resources and support. This proactive measure, alongside the stern warnings regarding SS Media Authority inflammatory messages and potential South Sudan media law violations elections, highlights the Authority's commitment to fostering an environment conducive to credible and inclusive elections.

Lawyers advising political parties, candidates, or media houses in South Sudan must immediately review and update their communication strategies to ensure compliance with the Media Authority's explicit warnings against hate speech and inflammatory messages, as non-compliance could lead to legal or regulatory consequences ahead of the December elections. They should also advise on the verification of information and responsible use of digital platforms to mitigate legal exposure.

Source: Original reporting via local media outlets