While opening the workshop yesterday, JMEC Chief of Staff Amb. Berhanu Kebede said, “The media is playing an outstanding role in creating and shaping public opinion and strengthening the political, economic and social basis of any given society. As a fourth pillar of democracy along with the judiciary, executive and legislative, the media today have an all-embracing role to act against injustices and continuously inform citizens of the changes taking place in their respective society.”

“JMEC acknowledges the need to promote inclusivity and popular ownership of the ARCSS among different stakeholders and we believe that the media is a critical link in this quest,” he said.

He added “Despite the enduring challenges facing the media in the country, the media must move from merely reporting incidents to understanding and clarifying issues and events from diverse perspectives including socio-political contexts.”

“They must also provide a platform for expressing views and opinions, encouraging dialogue and consensus building within and among different communities.”

Ambassador Kebede said appropriate understanding of the contents of the Agreement is critical for the media as it seeks to educate and inform its audience.

The workshop involved chapter-by-chapter presentations of the ARCSS and highlighting the role the media can play in peace building.

“We hope it will also contribute in empowering you, to effectively participate, advocate and strategically engage all the parties and other stakeholders, to ensure its full implementation, and ultimately the realisation of enduring peace, stability and democracy in the Republic of South Sudan.”