BOR – A two-day dialogue aimed to examine the status of civic space in Jonglei State has identified several factors including mandatory security clearance by the National Security Service and suppression of peaceful dissent as the major barriers to freedom of expression.
The dialogue – facilitated by INTREPID South Sudan and supported by Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) – was attended by 40 representatives from the civil society, media, women and youth leaders, security forces, IDPs, and faith-based groups, among others.
Participants held discussions on the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, and shared experiences related to violations and abuse.
The forum also deliberated on challenges hindering civic space including the institution of NSS, Police, state assembly.
Stakeholders agreed that the main hindrances to civic space are demand for security clearance by the NSS, National Security Act, articles 54 and 54 with powers of arrest with or without warrants, and suppression of peaceful dissents by the security Organs with influence by Political leaders.
Others are fear of reprisal effects, media censorship, intimidation, surveillance, and persecution of activists, the legacy of conflicts and weak institutions, and political and economic uncertainty.
The dialogue resolved to mend the relationship between state actors and civic groups by maintaining dialogue and tolerance and further called on the amendment of the NSS Act, and upholding, protection and promotion of freedom of expression, media independence, freedom of assembly and association.
The dialogue ascertained that the apparent civic space has a potential to expand if tolerance for diverse views and respect for human rights and dignity of all are upheld at all costs.
Reports indicate that South Sudan’s civic space is heavily restricted as a result of the ongoing conflict, political instability, and a lack of robust legal frameworks to protect fundamental freedoms.
While the country’s laws nominally guarantee rights like freedom of expression and assembly, these are often undermined by the government’s actions and the pervasive atmosphere of fear.
This creates a difficult environment for civil society organizations and citizens to operate effectively.