South Sudan minister to register media outlets

November 7, 2013 (JUBA) – South Sudan information minister Michael Makuei Lueth Wednesday stated that “all journalists operating in the country are required to re-submit their credentials”, for scrutiny or face tough actions.

The minister held a press conference on Wednesday where he criticised Sudan Tribune for publishing ” unfounded, is baseless” report about the presence of president Salva Kiir in South Africa for medical reasons.

“Anybody found to be operating without [new credential], or any media house found to be operating without [credentials] must get prepared irrespective of whether you are indigenous or international,” the visibly angry minister said.

When asked by reporters about the procedure to follow, the minister said ” You want to know our policy, come and you will know what we are doing”.

He further advised journalists to “report correctly, don’t misreport, and don’t misinterpret provisions, and don’t reach unsubstantiated conclusions”.

South Sudan has no media bill and journalists operate without guidelines. The media regulatory bill was returned to parliament by President Kiir in October for further deliberation.

For more details about our report, click on this link S. Sudan’s Kiir in South Africa for medical attention

(ST)