By Yiep Joseph
Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS), has condemned threats to a journalist working for a local radio station in Warrap State.
In a statement released to the media, UJOSS Coordinator for Warrap State, Daniel Mareng Wek said such actions violate press freedom. He urged the government to allow journalists to perform their work without interference.
Mareng emphasized the need for the state government to ensure media freedom and hold accountable those who violate journalists’ rights.
“The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) strongly condemns the recent threat against journalist Akol Nicolas, who works with Warrap State 99 FM in Kuajok,” Mareng stated.
Coordinator Mareng reported that journalist Akol received a threatening phone call from an unknown individual using a private number.
The caller threatened him with harm and demanded that he leave Kuajok within 72 hours.
He added that both the union and the threatened journalist have reported the incident to state officials, requesting an investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.
“UJOSS has taken immediate action by contacting state officials and security institutions to thoroughly investigate the matter and, importantly, ensure the protection of journalists in the region,” Mareng said.
He affirmed that the Journalist Union is committed to ensuring that journalists carry out their work as defined by law without interference.
“This act of intimidation is an unacceptable attack on media freedom and the safety of journalists. UJOSS remains firm in its commitment to safeguarding journalists’ rights to work freely and without fear of violence or harassment,” he stated.
Recently, the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) issued a press statement condemning threats and intimidation against Eye Radio journalist Alhadi Hawari.
This followed a series of alarming phone calls received by Hawari, allegedly from individuals claiming to be members of the National Security Service, concerning his reporting on the deaths of South Sudanese citizens in Wad Madani, Sudan.
In a press statement signed by Majak Daniel Kuany Alier, Secretary General of UJOSS, the union strongly condemned these actions, stating they pose a “serious threat to journalist safety and press freedom” in South Sudan.
“This is a clear violation of constitutional rights,” declared the UJOSS statement, citing Article 24 of the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan (2011, as amended), which guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression, and Article 32, which ensures the right of access to information.
According to the UJOSS statement, Hawari received two threatening calls. The first, on February 11, 2025, warned him against reporting on the Wad Madani killings.
The second call, made on February 18, 2025, included accusations of surveillance and further threats of consequences.
UJOSS has called on the Media Authority to investigate those behind the threats and to “ensure that journalists can operate without fear.”
The union reiterated its commitment to defending media freedom and ensuring journalists can work without interference.
Eye Radio also released a separate statement expressing deep concern over the threats against their senior journalist, Alhadi Hawari.