IPS – The guns have gone silent – except for sporadic conflict in parts of the vast South Sudan region, such as the Eastern Equatoria State. It may not be the absolute end of the conflict in the region, but it is a reason for renewed hope.

It has been two decades of bitter civil war in Sudan, the southerners bearing the burden of massive destruction which has left an estimated 1.9 million people dead and four million displaced, according to United Nations agencies.

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Every year, May 3rd is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom; to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession. UNESCO World Press Freedom Day Reporters Without Borders – Press freedom day by day

All over the world there are a multitude of causes that are celebrated and honored on different days throughout the year. In Africa World Press Freedom Day (on 3 May) is one that carries an exceptional weight. Prominent journalists from across the continent from South Africa to Tunisia spoke to RAP 21 on what this day signifies in their country. Journalist Clifford Derrick from Kenya, now exiled in South Africa, spoke of the need to refocus 3 May into a new vein that accounts more for the journalists working in oft-brutal conditions. Omar Belhouchet, an eminent publisher from Algeria, discussed widening the fight for press freedom to be all-inclusive in the country. South African media veteran Janine Lazarus talked about the incongruent between law and practice. Zimbabwean journalist Geoffrey Nyarota, now based in the United States, examined the possibilities for change. Tunisian journalist and freedom of expression advocate Sihem Bensedrine emphasized the importance to take stock on 3 May and define means to achieve the right to a free press. Reminiscing on their journalistic careers in their countries, all five journalists expressed the array feelings May 3rd evokes, from anticipation to anger and pride to fear. Full story: RAP21 website