The Director of the Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS), Irena Aya, has raised concern over the growing threat of hate speech in the country, urging journalists to maintain professionalism and distinguish themselves from untrained citizen reporters.
Speaking during the opening of a two-day media training workshop on Tuesday, Aya emphasized the importance of equipping journalists with the skills needed to navigate the complex media landscape.
“Hate speech is a big issue now in South Sudan,” Aya said. “This training aims to help us differentiate between professional journalists and citizen journalists. That is why it is very, very important.”
The workshop brought together thirty media practitioners and focused on conflict-sensitive reporting, peace journalism, combating misinformation, and verifying information in the digital era.
Aya commended the participants, noting they were selected based on their active engagement in the media field.
“We didn’t want to bring people who are not active. We believe this training will make a real impact on your work and the broader media landscape in South Sudan,” she said.
Highlighting the critical role journalists play in shaping public discourse, Aya called on the participants to uphold the integrity of the profession.
“The media field is ours. Some of us are ageing and retiring, but you, the younger generation, must carry the torch. Work diligently and professionally to inspire the next generation,” she added.
Aya concluded by urging journalists to take a proactive stance against hate speech and disinformation.
“Please involve yourselves in countering hate speech. We need to raise awareness about its dangers and the harm caused by disinformation,” she said.
Meanwhile, workshop facilitator Peter Mapuor echoed the message, stressing the journalist’s role in reducing hate speech and contributing to peace.
“The role of journalists is to report accurate information that does not inflame tensions or fuel conflict,” Mapuor said.
