South Sudan: Journalists' ban condemned

Human rights groups are calling for a lift on the ban of at least 20 foreign journalist stopped from practicing in the war-torn nation.

Another release from the Foreign Correspondents Association of East Africa says the ban is a cause of concern as South Sudan is a news worthy country due to the ongoing famine and the largest refugee crisis in Africa.

Juba and the international community have been urged to put pressure and lift the ban.

South Sudan’s media authority banned the 20 journalists on claims that they report information which cannot be substantiated.

Local journalists have also joined the efforts to save press freedom. Similar crackdowns have been experienced by local journalists like Alfred Taban of the Juba Monitor who was incarcerated for several days in 2016 for his critical write-ups.

Foreign journalists seeking to visit South Sudan require clearing by the Media Authority before a visa is issued.

The Media Authority has issued over 200 permits to foreign journalists and media houses to operate in South Sudan.