Salva Kiir – President of South Sudan

“If anybody among journalists does not know that this country has killed people, we will demonstrate it one day, one time. …Freedom of the press does not mean you work against the country.”

The statement was made by President Salva Kiir at Juba airport, aimed at silencing critical journalists to silencing dissent during peace talks.

SALVA KIIR – 2015

President of South Sudan

Notable Actions Undermining Press Freedom under Salva Kiir Mayardit:

Threatening Journalists with Death 
In 2015, Kiir warned that journalists who report “against the country” could be killed. Days later, reporter Peter Moi was shot dead—prompting a news blackout by South Sudanese media.

Arbitrary Arrests for Reporting 
In early 2023, six journalists from the national broadcaster were detained after footage emerged showing the president in an undignified moment. Two remained in custody for months without formal charges.

Media Shutdowns and Intimidation 
Following critical reporting or publication of opposition viewpoints, several outlets were forcibly closed. The NSS shut down newspapers, seized print runs, and arrested journalists for dissent.

Strengthening of Repressive Security Laws 
Kiir signed the National Security Service Act amendments, granting the NSS sweeping powers over surveillance, arrests, searches, and media control—without judicial oversight.

Delay in Enacting Media Protections 
Despite passing media and transparency legislation in 2014, implementation stalled indefinitely. Without formal structures for an independent press, journalists continued to operate in a legal void.

UN Condemns Repression of Media and Civil Society 
The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan reported that the NSS routinely threatened, surveilled, and detained journalists, undermining democratic transition and independent media.

Read More: https://cpj.org/2015/08/south-sudanese-president-salva-kiir-threatens-to-k/