04/02/2025
The Role of Media in Reporting Conflict: A Call for Balanced reporting
It has now been more than 72 hours since the attack on Aru Junction (Dinka Bor Cattle Camps), where many lives were tragically lost. Those injured in the attack are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals across Juba, with some suffering from serious gunshot wounds to their upper bodies. I have personally visited some of these victims in hospital. However, my purpose in writing this article is not merely to recount the attack but to address the problematic narratives framed and published by media organisations such as Radio Tamazuj and Eye Radio.
Radio Tamazuj published a story titled “Magwi: Over 10,000 flee Agoro and Ayii homes over alleged harassment”, while Eye Radio presented a different angle with “Hundreds of Magwi Villagers displaced as herders graze on farms…”. Notably, Eye Radio has since removed its publication from both its page and website, though cached versions of the headline remain accessible via search engines.
In both articles, the editorial teams failed to adequately investigate the complexities of the situation. The narratives presented depict the cattlekeepers as aggressors, yet crucial context was omitted. For instance, prior to the attack, Bor County Commissioner James G*i Makoor wrote a letter to Magwi County Commissioner Hon. Pole-pole Benjamin Olum on 24 January, seeking to de-escalate tensions and foster coexistence. However, Commissioner Pole-pole did not respond until 28 January—just three days before the attack—stating that the security situation would not permit a meeting. These letters exist and could be made public if necessary.
As the situation escalated, media reports emerged, seemingly shaping a one-sided narrative. The reasons for displacement were not thoroughly explored, and the perspectives of the cattlekeepers were conspicuously absent. While I do not accuse these media organisations of outright bias, it is reasonable to question the framing of their reporting.
When the attack occurred—resulting in loss of life and the theft of cattle—some media outlets chose to delete their earlier publications rather than issue retractions or corrections. This raises serious concerns about accountability and the ethical responsibilities of journalism.
South Sudanese media organisations must strive for a deeper understanding of the issues they cover. While the displacement of villagers is undoubtedly a critical issue, the raid on cattle camps and the killing of people who depend on livestock for their livelihoods deserve equal attention. Both the displaced villagers and the displaced cattlekeepers are innocent victims, and the circumstances that led to their displacement should be reported with balance and fairness.
It is essential to remind young journalists and those entering politics that the people of Equatoria, particularly the Bari and the Mundari, have coexisted with the people of Bor for decades—if not centuries. There are historical accounts of how the Dinka Bor kept their cattle in areas such as Thongpiny, around what is now Bilpam, as well as in Koda, Tali, Moni, Tombek, and beyond. They consider themselves part of these great communities. The people of Bor have long coexisted with others, and narratives should not be framed as though strangers have suddenly arrived.
While illegal and unacceptable violations of any kind should neither be condoned nor overlooked, the media must play its role with the principle of “do no harm” in mind. These are South Sudanese citizens, and their challenges must be addressed in a way that neither endangers lives nor exacerbates tensions.
In conclusion, it is imperative that media organisations in South Sudan uphold the principles of responsible journalism. This means thoroughly investigating all sides of a story, providing context, and ensuring that coverage does not inadvertently fuel bias or conflict. The public deserves accurate, balanced reporting that reflects the complexities of the issues at hand, rather than oversimplified narratives that risk deepening divisions.
As a journalist myself, I understand that there are times when audiences may criticise even well-intended reporting. However, in this case, the concerns raised are not about audience reactions but about the fundamental responsibility of the media to report with fairness and integrity.
Let us hope that future coverage of such incidents will be more nuanced, fair, and reflective of the truth. The lives and dignity of all South Sudanese depend on it.
Disclaimer: I am a journalist but currently not reporting for any agency on news matters. What is written here is a personal observation. However, I firmly believe that if the livelihoods of the people of Magwi or Bor are affected, it should be reported with neither fear nor favour, ensuring fairness, accuracy, and balance in every narrative.
Ajak Deng Chiengkou
