Late Emmanuel Joseph Akile in Eye Radio's digital studio - File photo

South Sudan is in mourning following the death of Emmanuel Joseph Akile, a star veteran journalist and presenter of Eye Radio’s flagship Dawn Programme, who passed away on Tuesday at a hospital in Gudele, Juba.

Akile died after a short illness. He was rushed to the hospital on Monday evening and later underwent surgery before succumbing to the illness the following morning.

Since the news of his passing broke, tributes have poured in from across the country and beyond. Senior government officials, civil society leaders, media institutions, colleagues, friends, and loyal listeners have all paid tribute to a journalist whose voice shaped national conversations for nearly ten years.

Through The Dawn Programme, Akile reported and spoke about major political and social developments in South Sudan, touching countless lives with his calm delivery, clarity, and professionalism.

Eye Radio’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Omiri Obuor, described Akile as a cherished radio star, a dedicated journalist, and the face of The Dawn Show.

“His departure is not only a huge loss to his immediate family but also a blow to all of us at Eye Radio, South Sudan, and the entire Dawn family,” he says.

“Emmanuel was a symbol of professionalism, eloquence, and integrity. Fluent in both English and Arabic, he was a talented journalist, a senior management member, a trainer, a mentor, an editor, and a news anchor—many of us admired his intelligence, charisma, and dedication,” he added.

Ministry of Federal Affairs

The Ministry of Federal Affairs, in its condolence message, described Akile as a professional journalist “who invested his entire life to delve into finding facts objectively and sharing with our people with confidence.”

He stated that Akile distinguished himself among others as the most intelligent young journalist. Eye Radio and the South Sudan people have suddenly lost.

“The entire staff of the Ministry and the Minister in particular are saddened about this devastating news, and we would like to express our deepest condolences to the family, friends and entire Eye Radio fraternity,” reads the statement in part.

Central Equatoria Government

The State Minister of Information and Communication for Central Equatoria, Hon. Nyarsuk Patrick, issued a formal statement of condolence, honoring Akile’s significant contributions to the state’s media landscape.

Media Authority

The country’s media regulator, the Media Authority, expressed deep condolences over Akile’s untimely death and praised his contribution to journalism.

“On behalf of the Media Authority, we extend our deepest condolences on the passing of Emmanuel Joseph Akile, a distinguished journalist from Eye Radio. His dedication to journalism in South Sudan has left a lasting impact on our nation’s media landscape,” read in part the statement signed by Elijah Alier Kuai, the Managing Director of the Media Authority.

Association for Media Development in South Sudan

The Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS) also mourned Akile, expressing condolences to his family and Eye Radio.

The organisation praised him for having “demonstrated exceptional professionalism in his reporting, especially covering the peace processes in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and the Kenya-mediated Tumaini Initiative. Furthermore, his hosting of Eye Radio’s The Dawn Show positively impacted the lives of many South Sudanese.”

South Sudan People’s Defence Forces

The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces spokesperson, Major General Lul Ruai Koang, said he was deeply shocked and saddened by Akile’s sudden death.

“On behalf of SSPDF media fraternity and on my own behalf, I would like to pass my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the entire media personnel and staff at Eye Radio and the beloved family of the late,” he wrote in a social media tribute.

Juba County

The Office of the Commissioner of Juba County also grieved Akile’s passing, describing him as a great voice on the airwaves.

“The media fraternity has lost a great voice on the airwaves with the passing of Late Emmanuel Joseph Akile. His contribution to journalism and broadcasting touched many lives and helped shape public discourse with professionalism, courage, and dedication,” the statement reads in part.

Radio Bakhita

The Catholic Church-run Radio Bakhita joined the nation in mourning, describing Akile’s death as a major loss to the journalism community.

“Losing such an experienced and dedicated media professional personality is a huge loss in journalism community. Emmanuel Joseph Akile’s was young promising, young man who contributed to the profession, his death will create a gap in the profession. Though his memory and legacy will continue to inspire and shape journalism for generations now and forever.”

African Center for Legal Studies and Human Rights

The African Center for Legal Studies and Human Rights mourned Akile as a committed journalist whose work reflected integrity, courage, and strong public responsibility.

“On behalf of the Board, Management, and staff of ACLSHR, we extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family, praying that they find strength, patience, and comfort in this moment of great loss,” the statement said.

Singer Menimen

Popular singer Menimen of the Coozos Clan said Akile’s death was a great loss to the media fraternity and the nation.

“His passing is a great loss to the media fraternity, Eye Radio, his family, friends, and the nation at large. Though his voice has gone silent, his legacy of ethical journalism and public service will continue to inspire many, especially young journalists who looked up to him.”

South Sudanese Students in Rwanda

South Sudanese students in Rwanda also joined the nation in mourning, describing Akile as more than a journalist.

“He was a veteran journalist and wasn’t just a citizen of the Republic of South Sudan; he was a great person who contributed to the prosperity, development, well-being, and welfare of our country through the information centre (Eye Radio station).”

As tributes continue to pour in, Emmanuel Joseph Akile is remembered not only as a journalist but as a trusted voice, a mentor, and a public servant whose legacy will live on through the airwaves he once commanded.