Introduction: A Critical Letter at a Pivotal Moment for South Sudan
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has written a detailed letter to the members of the African Union Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan, urging decisive action to protect press freedom and ensure accountability for abuses committed against media professionals. Sent in coordination with a broad coalition of South Sudanese civil society organizations, the letter calls on the Commission to recognize attacks on journalists as a central component of the country’s wider human rights crisis.
Background: The AU Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan
The African Union established the Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan as an independent body tasked with investigating serious violations of human rights and humanitarian law committed since the outbreak of conflict. Its mandate includes documenting abuses, identifying perpetrators, and recommending mechanisms for justice, reconciliation, and institutional reform.
As violence and political instability have persisted, the Commission’s findings and recommendations have become increasingly important. The CPJ letter emphasizes that the treatment of journalists is not a side issue but a crucial barometer of the country’s broader commitment to human rights, transparency, and the rule of law.
Why CPJ and Civil Society Are Speaking Out
In South Sudan, journalists and media workers operate in an environment marked by intimidation, arbitrary detention, censorship, and, in some cases, lethal violence. News outlets face pressure from both state and non-state actors, and many reporters have been forced into self-censorship or exile. Civil society groups and CPJ warn that without a free and safe press, citizens are deprived of reliable information about the conflict, peace processes, and the conduct of those in power.
The letter reflects a shared conviction among South Sudan’s civil society organizations that press freedom is essential to any genuine transition toward peace and democracy. By bringing the voices of local advocates together with an international press freedom organization, the letter underscores that the safety of journalists is a matter of continental concern.
Key Concerns Highlighted in the Letter
1. Attacks and Threats Against Journalists
The letter documents a pattern of threats, harassment, and targeted attacks on journalists across South Sudan. These include physical assaults, enforced disappearances, and killings that have rarely, if ever, resulted in credible investigations or prosecutions. The climate of impunity sends a clear message that those who report on sensitive topics do so at great personal risk.
2. Censorship and State Interference in the Media
CPJ and the coalition of civil society organizations highlight recurrent instances where security forces and state officials have interfered with editorial content. Newspapers and broadcasters have been pressured to drop stories, shut down temporarily, or avoid coverage deemed critical of authorities. This pressure has restricted public debate and undermined efforts to report accurately on the peace process, governance, and human rights.
3. Legal and Administrative Harassment
The letter describes how vague and overly broad laws have been used to criminalize journalism. Licensing requirements, registration demands, and shifting regulatory standards have been applied in ways that disproportionately burden independent media. Journalists are often summoned for questioning, threatened with lawsuits, or subjected to unofficial bans that restrict their movement and work.
Recommendations to the AU Commission of Inquiry
In its communication, CPJ urges members of the AU Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan to integrate press freedom considerations into every aspect of their work. The letter outlines several concrete recommendations designed to protect journalists and strengthen the media landscape.
1. Recognize Attacks on the Press as Human Rights Violations
CPJ calls on the Commission to explicitly recognize attacks on journalists and media outlets as serious human rights violations and potential crimes under international law. The letter stresses that silencing the press prevents documentation of other abuses and obstructs justice for victims across society.
2. Name and Document Cases of Abuse Against Journalists
The letter recommends that the Commission thoroughly document cases of abuse against journalists, including killings, disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and threats. This documentation should form a distinct section in the Commission’s final report, highlighting both the scale of violations and the patterns of impunity that allow them to continue.
3. Recommend Robust Accountability Mechanisms
CPJ and its civil society partners urge the Commission to recommend mechanisms that can genuinely investigate and prosecute those responsible for attacks on the press. This may include hybrid courts, special investigative units, or other structures capable of handling complex cases involving powerful actors. The letter argues that without accountability for crimes against journalists, broader efforts at justice and reconciliation will remain incomplete.
4. Support Legal and Institutional Reforms
The letter further calls on the Commission to support reforms that align South Sudan’s media laws and institutions with regional and international standards. This includes revising or repealing restrictive provisions, ensuring independent regulation of the media sector, and building safeguards that protect the rights of journalists to investigate and report without fear.
The Role of South Sudan’s Civil Society Organizations
A central feature of the letter is its collaboration with a coalition of South Sudanese civil society organizations. These groups represent a wide range of constituencies, including human rights defenders, women’s organizations, youth initiatives, and community-based networks. Together, they provide local knowledge, document abuses on the ground, and advocate directly for those who have been silenced.
By amplifying the perspectives of civil society, CPJ ensures that the letter to the Commission is rooted in the lived experience of those most affected by restrictions on the media. The coalition underscores that freedom of expression is not only a concern of journalists, but a priority for the broader public seeking transparency, accountability, and peace.
Press Freedom as a Foundation for Peace and Development
The letter argues that protecting journalists is central to building a sustainable peace in South Sudan. A free press allows communities to access reliable information, scrutinize public institutions, and participate meaningfully in political processes. It also helps document human rights violations, providing a record that can support future accountability and reconciliation efforts.
Without a safe and independent media, misinformation and propaganda can flourish, deepening mistrust and fueling further conflict. CPJ and its partners stress that the Commission of Inquiry should treat press freedom as a foundational element of any roadmap toward stability, rather than a secondary or optional concern.
Implications for Regional and Continental Standards
The concerns raised in the letter resonate beyond South Sudan. How the AU Commission of Inquiry responds will signal the African Union’s broader commitment to protecting journalists and upholding freedoms enshrined in regional frameworks. A strong stance on media freedom in South Sudan could reinforce standards across the continent, affirming that attacks on the press have no place in the AU’s vision for peace, security, and human rights.
Conversely, a failure to adequately address violations against journalists could weaken regional norms and embolden those who seek to silence independent voices in other contexts. The letter therefore positions South Sudan as a test case for the AU’s resolve.
Looking Ahead: What the Commission’s Response Could Mean
The response of the AU Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan to CPJ’s letter will shape expectations about the role of the media in post-conflict reconstruction. Incorporating press freedom into the Commission’s findings and recommendations could translate into concrete policy changes, stronger protections, and a more enabling environment for journalists on the ground.
CPJ and the coalition of civil society organizations urge the Commission to engage directly with media stakeholders, consider testimony from journalists who have faced threats, and consult widely with local advocates. Such engagement would not only enrich the Commission’s analysis but also demonstrate respect for those who continue reporting under highly challenging conditions.
Conclusion: A Call for Courage and Accountability
The letter from CPJ to the members of the AU Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan is both a warning and an invitation. It warns that ongoing attacks on journalists are eroding the possibility of a transparent, accountable, and peaceful future. At the same time, it invites the Commission to exercise leadership by affirming that media freedom is inseparable from justice and human rights.
As South Sudan navigates the difficult path from conflict to peace, the protection of those who gather and share information will remain a central test. The Commission’s willingness to confront abuses against journalists, and to recommend meaningful reforms and accountability measures, will help determine whether the promise of a more open and democratic society can be realized.