The Jieng (Dinka) Council of Elders on Sunday called for cooperation between the media and the government, saying responsible journalism is the hallmark of professionalism and tolerance as part of leadership.

“When you block someone, it means opportunities to resolve the matter have been exhausted and the two sides have failed to cooperate and to listen to each and exchange views,” Joshua Dau, co-chair of the Dinka Council of Elders told Radio Tamazuj on Sunday.

Ambrose Riiny Thiik, a co-chair of the self-appointed tribal group, said the government should respect the right of each individual to exercise the freedom of speech, but media outlets also have an ultimate duty to ensure that the public is not misinformed.

The elderly politician pointed out that the council wants to see that the government and the media cooperate and work together.

Dinka Council of Elders is not a group of traditional Dinka leaders but a group of mostly politicians who support President Salva Kiir. It claims to be working for the interest of the Dinka tribe in South Sudan.