Juba, South Sudan
November 11, 2021 — The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) has expressed its concern over the eviction of journalist in Warrap State saying it jeopardizes the freedom of expression.
The UJOSS says the expulsion of Radio Miraya’s correspondentm, Manyang Mayom, is very unfortunate, adding that it jeopardizes the gains made in advancing freedom of expression in the country.
On November 4, 2021, Warrap State Governor, Aleu Ayieny Aleu issued an expulsion notice ordering journalist Mayom to exit the state within a maximum period of 72 hrs.
In a statement seen by Nyamilepedia, the president of UJOSS, Oyet Patrick Charles, says the expulsion order of governor Aleu is a breach to constitutional provisions in South Sudan’s Transitional Constitution that grants rights to freedom of expression and rights to residence anywhere across South Sudan.
“UJOSS believes expulsion of Manyang clearly undermines articles 24,27 and 32 of the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan, 2011 as amended. ” Article 24 provides for freedom of expression, article 27 allows for freedom of movement and residence and article 32 provides for access to information”, UJOSS Charles stated in a statement.
Charles blames governor Aleu for not using the right procedures to justify his claim whether or not journalist Mayom abused his profession.
” Governor Hon. Lt. Gen. Aleu Ayieny Aleu should have followed the right procedures
if the state had deemed journalist
Manyang Mayom was/is practicing unethical journalism”, Charles added in a statement.
UJOSS terms governor’s order as a threat to freedom of expression and urging the governor to revoke his decision.
“UJOSS considers the action of governor as major threat to freedom of expression in the country.” Oyet said
” UJOSS calls for revocation of the order of the expulsion of journalist Manyang Mayom “, the statement further emphasized.
Two months ago, UJOSS condemned the closure of Radio Jonglei and demanded an immediate release of the detained reporters including the Editor-in-chief Deng Ghai Deng.
