The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union (AU) have launched a three-day initiative in Juba to strengthen efforts to combat hate speech and disinformation in South Sudan.
The workshop, running from October 13 to 15, 2026, brings together government institutions and development partners to strengthen the National Multi-Agency Coordination Platform to Counter Hate Speech and Disinformation.
The initiative is being convened by IGAD through its Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism (CEWARN), in collaboration with the African Union Office of the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa.
Speaking at the opening session, Hon. Riak Pok, Director General for Multilateral Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said the platform marks an important step towards improving coordination, promoting responsible communication and addressing the harmful effects of hate speech and disinformation.
He warned that the rapid spread of information through traditional and digital platforms could be exploited to circulate false claims, incite hostility, deepen social divisions and undermine public confidence in government institutions.
Dr. Victoria Anib Majur, representing IGAD, said the initiative seeks to strengthen national capacities to identify emerging information-related risks and improve coordination among national, regional and continental institutions.
Meanwhile, Dr. Legane Sene, a representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), highlighted the influence of information on relations between communities and public trust in institutions.
Sene also pointed to South Sudan’s political transition and electoral processes, saying they are unfolding in an increasingly complex information environment.
He stressed that addressing hate speech and disinformation is closely linked to the broader efforts to promote peacebuilding and social cohesion
