The Media Authority of South Sudan is seeking financial and technical support from the government and development partners to launch a nationwide public awareness campaign against hate speech and misinformation ahead of the December general elections. The campaign aims to promote peaceful communication, responsible information sharing, and tolerance throughout the electoral period. According to Ajou Luol Akuei, the Managing Director of the Media Authority, the initiative has been delayed due to limited financial resources.
Akuei stated that the Media Authority intends to launch the public awareness campaign to combat hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation during the electoral period, subject to the availability of necessary resources and support. The campaign was supposed to start months ago, but the lack of funds and resources has caused a delay. The Media Authority is now calling on the government and partners to support the initiative to address issues of hate speech and misinformation.
The campaign will cover the entire electoral process, including voter education, political campaigns, voting, and the announcement of election results. Akuei also called on media houses, journalists, and other stakeholders to support public education on peaceful elections, civic responsibility, and the dangers of inflammatory communication. This effort aims to promote a peaceful and informed electoral process in South Sudan.
South Sudan launched its nationwide Civic and Voter Education Campaign in July 2026 ahead of the general elections scheduled for December 22. The Media Authority has reported cases of election-related misinformation and disinformation during ongoing electoral activities. This highlights the need for a comprehensive campaign to address these issues and promote accurate information.
The United Nations and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have also emphasized the importance of addressing hate speech and disinformation. In October, they called for stronger coordination and early response mechanisms to tackle these issues. The Media Authority's campaign will complement these efforts and contribute to a more informed and peaceful electoral process.
The Media Authority's initiative is crucial in promoting peaceful communication and responsible information sharing during the electoral period. By engaging media houses, journalists, and other stakeholders, the campaign aims to reach a wide audience and promote a culture of tolerance and respect. This effort will help to mitigate the risks of hate speech and misinformation and promote a peaceful and inclusive electoral process.
The success of the campaign will depend on the support of the government and development partners. The Media Authority's appeal for funding and technical support is a critical step in launching the campaign. With the necessary resources, the Media Authority can effectively promote peaceful communication and responsible information sharing, contributing to a more informed and peaceful electoral process in South Sudan.
Key points
- The Media Authority of South Sudan seeks funding for a nationwide campaign against election hate speech and misinformation.
- The campaign aims to promote peaceful communication, responsible information sharing, and tolerance throughout the electoral period.
- The initiative has been delayed due to limited financial resources, but the Media Authority is appealing for support from the government and development partners.
