2 Responses to “Are you talkin’ to me?”

1. David Widgington says:

   March 11, 2010 at 3:33 pm

   This is a fantastic photo of Salva Kiir that seems, as you said, “intimidating” but I can also see a sense of humour. Perhaps the confusion between the two expressions is a mix between a politician who wants to please the electorate while also pressuring the media to not do otherwise.

   I’m interested in your experience as a media person from outside of the country, relating to freedom of the press. What have been your challenges getting access to politicians, getting media credentials, and photographing places, events or situations that may not show favourably to any particular politician?

   Do tell!
2. Pete says:

   March 11, 2010 at 10:51 pm

   Hi David,

   Thanks for the note.

   You raise a good point. Photography here is very tricky and must be undertaken with extreme caution. In additional to having the government issued press passes (which are fairly easy to acquire), I am sure to announce myself at all locations where I plan to shoot. The credential-issuing government in Juba is not coordinating with local governments regarding press issues. It seems that the general rule among security forces & police is to hassle and/or detain those taking photos.

   I think that this is a product of the tense environment here. It’s a very critical time in the south and many people are unsure what the future holds. Rumors fly that both the north and south are arming themselves. I’m sure that the restrictions on photography and other visual documentation have to do with concerns of renewed violence and a desire to prevent suspected “espionage.” There’s a lot of mistrust here and few people are interested in giving you the benefit of the doubt if they do not know who you are.

   I’ve not yet had much experience with politicians. In my limited interactions, it seems that they are fairly accessible if you’re willing to wait. I’ll be sure to keep you posted.