South Sudan, gripped by political tensions and a crackdown on the media, does not appear ready for elections in 2024, according to a report by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. Despite signing a peace agreement in 2018, the country continues to experience human rights violations and restrictions on press freedom.
The report highlights the leading role of the National Security Service (NSS) in the repression of the media. This intelligence service is accused of recording, monitoring and threatening journalists. Several cases of unjustified arrests and arbitrary detentions have been recorded, demonstrating the climate of fear in which information professionals work.
Journalists are subject to strict censorship, with sensitive subjects such as political opposition, human rights or political life in general often being kept out of the media. This autarchy of power stifles any real freedom of expression and limits the role of the media to simple coverage of official events, without the possibility of criticism or debate.
The report also highlights the threats made by the Minister of Information towards journalists. These authoritarian practices do not allow South Sudanese to fully realize their aspirations for freedom and democracy.
For South Sudan to truly envisage free and fair elections in 2024, genuine political openness and tolerance towards the media must be established. Press freedom is an essential pillar of any democracy and it is essential that the South Sudanese authorities take steps to end this repression and allow the emergence of true democracy.
It is also crucial that the international community continues to monitor and support South Sudan in its efforts to build a democratic and human rights-respecting state. Only constant international pressure can help change the situation and promote a real transition to democracy.
In conclusion, although the 2018 peace agreement ended the civil war in South Sudan, the country still faces many challenges, particularly regarding human rights and press freedom. . Further efforts must be made to ensure an enabling environment for free and fair elections to be held in 2024. Repression of the media must end and political openness must be promoted to enable South Sudanese to realize their aspirations for democracy .