Juba City Council and media practitioners have renewed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and improving access to information to ensure the public is better informed about the activities and policies of the city authorities.
The commitment was made during a Juba City Council Media and Opinion Leaders Networking event, which brought together city officials, journalists, media practitioners and opinion writers to discuss ways of strengthening relations between the council and the media.
The event provided an opportunity for both sides to discuss challenges affecting communication, particularly access to information, and to explore ways of improving cooperation between journalists and city officials.
The Managing Director of the Media Authority, Ajou Loul Akuei, urged officials at Juba City Council and other government institutions to provide journalists with necessary information when requested.
Akuei said media practitioners should not be restricted from accessing information, stressing that cooperation between government institutions and the media is important in informing the public.
“Your worship, I am just requesting as Media Authority, we do not want you to restrict access to information to the media houses,” Akuei said.
He called on city officials to give responsible officers the necessary authority to communicate directly with journalists seeking information about the council and its activities.
Akuei said journalists seeking information about government institutions are not necessarily looking for negative stories, but are often seeking information to help the public understand government policies and programmes.
“When media houses are looking for some information, for example, how the institution is being managed, it does not mean they are looking for negative. They are actually looking for hope and to inform the public about your policies,” he said.
The Media Authority Managing Director also urged journalists to remain neutral and professional in their reporting, emphasizing the importance of accurate and balanced information.
Juba City Council Mayor Christopher Sarafino Wani Swaka said the council recognizes the importance of engaging with media practitioners and opinion leaders as part of its communication with the public.
Mayor Swaka said city authorities cannot be expected to control every aspect of people’s private behavior, emphasizing that the council’s role is focused on matters within its legal and administrative responsibilities.
He also distinguished between private activities involving consenting adults and situations involving minors, warning that authorities would have concerns where children are involved.
The mayor’s participation in the networking event provided an opportunity for journalists and opinion writers to engage directly with the city leadership on issues concerning the administration and management of Juba.
The event highlighted the importance of regular dialogue between Juba City Council and media practitioners in addressing information gaps, improving public communication and promoting accountability.
Participants emphasized that stronger cooperation between the council and the media can contribute to more accurate reporting and help residents better understand the policies, programmes and activities of Juba City Council.
