South Sudan

July 9 will mark the birth of the world’s newest nation, South Sudan. But the country bears a heavy burden. Following 40 years of war there is no infrastructure, health or education system to speak of.

A government has been in place for only five years. Human rights are often a foreign concept – and so is freedom of the press. The state ranks 172 on Reporters Without Borders’ press freedom index. Journalists are intimidated, a radio station seized. What stance do South Sudanese politicians take towards freedom of the press? How do journalists perceive the local situation? And what can Germany do to promote press freedom in Africa’s newest country? These questions and more will be the focus of this panel discussion.

Moderation:
Daniel Pelz
Coordinating Editor Africa Programs Deutsche Welle

Panelists:
Josephine Achiro
Programs Manager, Radio Bakhita

Kerstin Müller
Member of the German Bundestag, Deputy Chairwoman of the Subcommittee for Civilian Crisis Prevention

Manuela Römer
Media Trainer und Project Manager South Sudan, Deutsche Welle Academy