A major initiative has been launched in Juba to strengthen peace and social cohesion. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and international partners have organized a three‑day workshop to establish a national coordination platform to counter hate speech and disinformation in South Sudan. This platform brings together institutions, civil society, media, and academia in a joint response to challenges that threaten stability and democratic processes.
Official Statement
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), together with the African Union Commission, the Office of the United Nations Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, UNDP, and the UN Human Rights Office, has convened a three‑day workshop in Juba to establish a national coordination platform to counter hate speech and disinformation in South Sudan.
IGAD Head of Mission to South Sudan, Dr. Victoria Anib, emphasized that the workshop comes at a critical time as the country prepares for elections, constitution‑making, and peacebuilding processes. She noted that while digital platforms have expanded opportunities for public participation, they have also accelerated the spread of harmful narratives.
“The proposed national multi‑agency coordination platform is envisioned as a collaborative mechanism that brings together government institutions, civil society, media actors, academia, and development partners.”
Representing the United Nations Office of the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Dr. Beleteze Foretia warned that hate speech and disinformation could deepen divisions, weaken trust between communities, and contribute to political and security instability. He stressed that countering harmful information must respect freedom of expression, independent journalism, human rights, and legitimate political participation.
“Countering hate speech and disinformation is therefore not simply about regulating information, but it is fundamentally about preventing conflict, protecting civilians, strengthening social cohesion, and sustainable peace.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Riek Pouk, Director General for Multilateral Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of South Sudan, underlined that tackling these challenges requires collective responsibility. He said the platform would enable stakeholders to exchange information, develop common strategies, and promote responsible public communication.
“For a country like South Sudan, which is pursuing peace, reconciliation, national cohesion, and sustainable development, addressing these challenges requires a coordinated, inclusive, and responsible national approach.”
The workshop is expected to define coordination arrangements among participating institutions and identify practical measures for responding to hate speech and disinformation in South Sudan.
Attribution / Signature
Statement issued jointly by IGAD’s Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism, the African Union Commission, the Office of the United Nations Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, UNDP, and the UN Human Rights Office.
