Late Emmanuel Joseph Akile - File Photo

Founder and Overseer of International Pardon Foundation IPF, Dr David Kueth Thiyang has mourned the death of Eye Radio senior journalist Emmanuel Joseph Akile, calling it one of the greatest losses to South Sudan.

Dr. Thiyang first met the late Akile in 2018 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during peace negotiations, where Akile was closely covering political developments and peace processes in the country.

Late Emmanuel J. Akile died on 30th, Dec, 2025 at a Gudele hospital in Juba after a short two-day hospitalization.

Recalling their first interaction, Dr. Thiyang said the late journalist’s work in Addis Ababa created a professional bond that continued over the years.

“Late Emmanuel was covering the process and procedures of negotiation during that time in Addis, Ethiopia. By that I came to know him, and he gave me the first interview in Addis Ababa about our role and participation as part of civil society and expertise on especially on conflict resolution. From that time, we continued with him,” he said.

Dr. Thiyang said their engagement deepened during later peace efforts, particularly during the Tumaini Peace Initiative in Nairobi, Kenya.

“Last year, he gave me an interview when General Kuol Mayang Juuk was appointed by His Excellency President, Salva Kiir, as the team leader of peace negotiation of Tumaini peace initiative, Nairobi, Kenya,” he recalled.

He said the interview attracted national attention and encouraged public participation in peace discussions.

“In that time, Brother Emmanuel gave me a very big interview, which made all the listeners interact with us,” he said.

Dr Thiyang said he received the news of Akile’s death with deep sadness, describing it as a loss that goes far beyond one institution or community.

“I came to hear about his passing on this morning (30th Dec, 2025) and it has touched me, it has really touched me because passing on is not a loss for the family of Eye radio, not for his own community, but it is the biggest loss for the country of South Sudan,” he said.

Late Akile played a crucial role in informing the public through his coverage of the Addis Ababa peace talks and, most recently, the Tumaini Peace Initiative in Nairobi.

From an intern to senior management, Akile rose through the ranks through dedication and professionalism, becoming one of the most respected voices on Eye Radio.

Emmanuel Joseph Akile is survived by a 13-year-old son.