JMEC urges media to improve understanding of peace agreement

[Elisabeth Janaina]

JMEC urges media to improve understanding of peace agreement
CRN
Monday, June 19, 2017 - 16:39
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission or JMEC urges media
houses to enhance understanding of the Agreement on the Resolution of
the Conflict in South Sudan.

JMEC Chief of Staff Ambassador Berhanu Kebede says the media is
playing an outstanding role in shaping public opinion and
strengthening the political, economic and social basis of the society.

The media today have an all-embracing role to act against injustices
and continuously inform citizens of the changes taking place in their
respective communities, he points out.

Ambassador Kebede in his opening remarks during a workshop in Juba,
says JMEC acknowledges the need to promote inclusive and popular
ownership of the agreement signed in August 2015.

He urges media houses to move from merely reporting incidents to
understanding and clarifying issues and events from diverse
perspectives including socio-political contexts.

The media must also provide a platform for expressing views and
opinions, encouraging dialogue and consensus building among different
communities, Ambassador Kebede explains.

Appropriate understanding of the contents of the Agreement is critical
for the media as it seeks to educate and inform its audience, he adds

The Ambassadors says JMEC hopes the workshop will empowering media
outlets to effectively participate, advocate and engage all parties
and other stakeholders.

JMEC would ensure full implementation, and ultimately the realization
of enduring peace, stability and democracy in South Sudan, he pledges.