South Sudanese journalist Emmanuel Joseph Akile has died after a brief illness, Eye Radio said on Tuesday. He died at Gudele Hospital in Juba following a two-day hospitalization.
Akile, a senior broadcast journalist, had hosted Eye Radio’s flagship programme, The Dawn Show, since 2016. He was widely respected for his professionalism and deep knowledge of national affairs, and played a prominent role in informing the public during key political moments, including the Addis Ababa peace talks and, most recently, the Tumaini Initiative in Nairobi.
Born in 1989 and hailing from Central Equatoria State, Akile also authored numerous reports and features for Eye Radio on diplomacy, peace processes and governance issues in South Sudan.
His work earned recognition beyond broadcasting. In 2023, he won Radio Journalist of the Year at the Junub Talent Awards.
Akile had only begun his Christmas holiday leave last week before falling ill, colleagues said. His sudden death has prompted an outpouring of grief from journalists, listeners and members of the public.
“Akile was a resourceful journalist and a dedicated colleague whose contribution to South Sudan’s media landscape is immeasurable,” Eye Radio management said in a statement.
Family members said Akile began complaining of severe pain two days before his admission. His cousin, Alex Khamis, told Radio Tamazuj that doctors diagnosed complications affecting his liver and pancreas.
“We found him in serious pain. The situation continued to worsen until we lost him this morning,” Khamis said.
Patrick Oyet, president of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS), expressed shock at Akile’s death and urged journalists to support one another during medical emergencies.
“This is heartbreaking and unbelievable. We have lost many young journalists in recent years, and Akile’s death is another painful reminder,” Oyet said.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
Radio Tamazuj extends condolences to Akile’s family, friends, colleagues at Eye Radio and fellow journalists.