South Sudan on Tuesday began a three-day national workshop to establish a multi-agency platform to combat hate speech and disinformation, strengthen conflict prevention and promote social cohesion

The workshop, convened by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in collaboration with the African Union Commission and United Nations (UN) agencies, brings together government institutions, civil society organisations, media organisations and other stakeholders to coordinate responses to harmful narratives.

The IGAD’s Head of Mission in South Sudan,Victoria Anib, said the platform would strengthen cooperation, information-sharing, and coordinated responses to emerging threats, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to peacebuilding and conflict prevention.

The initiative comes as South Sudan advances its peace process ahead of forthcoming elections, constitutional drafting and national peace-building efforts.

Beleteze Foretia, representing the UN Office of the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, warned that hate speech, rumours and misinformation could undermine trust among communities and fuel political instability.

Mr Foretia stressed that efforts to combat disinformation must not compromise fundamental rights, emphasising the need to protect freedom of expression, independent journalism and legitimate political participation.

During the three-day workshop, participants are expected to define institutional responsibilities, strengthen links between early warning mechanisms and preventive action, develop a shared understanding of threats posed by harmful narratives and promote national ownership of the proposed platform. 

(Xinhua/NAN)