UJOSS Chairperson and CGTN Correspondent’s Incident Sparks Alarm over Safety of Journalists

By Majur Chol Khor

Juba-January, 15th, 2024. The incident involving Mr. Oyet Patrick, the chairperson of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) and who doubled as a correspondent for CGTN, has raised concerns about media freedom in South Sudan. 

Despite having valid accreditation from the Media Authority, Mr. Patrick and his cameraman had their documents confiscated by members of the South Sudan National Security Services (NSS) while filming a piece to camera in Juba.

Mr. Patrick expressed his disappointment with the encounter.

“Today, me and my cameraman had not a very pleasant encounter with some security personnel,” Oyet stated.

He explained that they were approached by five individuals who asked about their affiliation and requested a letter, even though they had already shown their accreditation cards. The security personnel then took their accreditation cards and demanded that they report to their office the next day.

The situation escalated when Mr. Patrick protested against the confiscation of their accreditation cards. 

He argued that if there was an issue, the security personnel should have contacted the Media Authority. However, they threatened to take them into custody if they did not comply. Eventually, with the intervention of onlookers, it was agreed that Mr. Patrick and his cameraman would follow the security personnel to their office the next day.

Despite obtaining accreditation from the Media Authority, this incident highlights the lack of media freedom in South Sudan, particularly as the country gears up for December 2024 general elections. 

The incident raises concerns about the ability of journalists to carry out their work without interference from security forces. 

It remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved and whether there will be any repercussions for the security personnel involved.