SOUTH SUDANESE MEDIA IN HEALING, RECONCILIATION AND MAINTAINING PEACE.

South Sudan is a unique country with rich diversity. This newest nation on the globe went through a civil war in Dec, 2013 that saw division among different ethnicities. Last year, July 2016 also witnessed another devastating fighting that displaced thousands of civilians.

However, as a result of the clashes between the government in opposition and the sitting government, the country has suffered deteriorating economy and social resentment among youths and entire people of South Sudan. The people of South Sudan have mistakenly taken tribal dimension.

South Sudan Media houses, social media platforms and propagandist constantly report on the fighting across the country creating wrong perception about communities. These frequent fighting reports instill fear and hatred among ourselves. The media fraternity does not look at anything constructive to report.

The role of Media could change a lot in our community only if we take the responsibility by acknowledging what the citizens go through and understanding that our irresponsibility in poor reporting and writing inciting messages that destroy and divides us and also prevent peace co-existence. That role shouldn’t be the responsibility of our leaders alone; we as South Sudanese entirely can play a great role in this matter if we put all our energy and efforts in a positive direction.

If our South Sudanese media outlets decide to report today on constructive matters and observe conflict-sensitive reporting, we will reduce hatred among ourselves and maintain peace.

Am thankful for those who partake in this documentation at the #DefyHateNow. Jockeyb, Apiu maiwak and clement