Suspension of radio Jonglei is an unjustifiable, unfortunate action of the gov’t.

The Jonglei State Minister of Information has suspended Radio Jonglei indefinitely, accusing it of violating news bulletin procedures and undermining the state authority.

The suspension of Radio Jonglei, 95.9 FM, is an unreasonable and sad decision by the government via the Minister of Information.

Because Radio Jonglei is a private organization rather than a state-owned radio station, the government’s participation in its management is restricted to monitoring and regulation.

Ministers must also realize that professional media outlets are not required to carry news or programs according to the procedure but rather to what is worth their editorial policy and of interest to their audience.

The suspension indicates government media control and purposeful constriction of the state’s and the country’s already limited civil space. This is also an assault on the Bill of Rights’ fundamental right to knowledge, freedom of speech, and media.

The state Information Minister asserts in a ministerial directive obtained by NCMP that the station purposefully violated official procedures during the May 16 festivities.

According to John Samuel Manyuon, the station did not follow instructions to provide news items according to a general rundown that day.

“On May 16, at the 39th SPLA day celebration.” Radio Jonglei was caught up in politics that did not follow the process. We issued such an order,” Minister Samuel said Thursday afternoon on Eye Radio.

“More will be followed up on throughout the inquiry, which is when we will find out their aims.” But for the time being, we must turn off the radio.”

Authorities in Jonglei state shut down the radio station last year on suspicion of broadcasting reports about a failed demonstration planned by an internet organization called the People’s Coalition Civil Society Action.

The rally, which did not take place, was intended to demand the resignation of the whole government for national unity.