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

The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) Secretariate General has paid tribute to the late Eye Radio journalist Emmanuel Joseph Akile during his final funeral rites on Saturday, describing him as a dedicated media professional whose voice stood for truth, peace, and national unity.

In a condolence message delivered by the SPLM National Secretariat, the party conveyed heartfelt sympathies to Akile’s family, relatives, friends, and colleagues following his death on December 30, 2025, at Gudele Hospital in Juba.

“The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), National Secretariat conveys its heartfelt condolences to the family, relatives, friends and colleagues of the late Emmanuel Joseph Akile,” the statement read.

The SPLM described the late journalist as a prominent figure in South Sudan’s media landscape, whose work went beyond reporting to advocating for social cohesion and liberation through the airwaves.

“The late was a renowned prominent journalist, whose voice of love, peace, advocacy, liberation and unity through media has gone unbelievably,” the message stated.

Reflecting on the loss, the party noted the pain of Akile’s untimely death, emphasizing that his legacy of factual reporting and public-interest journalism will endure.

“Life is tragedy; we are all born eventually to die but not this short, while Mr. Emmanuel, your sound of the truth and facts telling remains in our hearts and minds,” the condolence message added.

The statement was signed by SPLM Secretary General, Cde. Dr. Akol Paul Kordit, who concluded with prayers for the eternal rest of the deceased, saying, “May God accept your soul in eternal life.”

Emmanuel Joseph Akile was an active journalist with Eye Radio, one of South Sudan’s leading media outlets, and was widely respected for his professionalism, courage, and commitment to ethical journalism.

His death has left a deep void within the media fraternity and among listeners who relied on his reporting for accurate and balanced information.

The final funeral rites brought together family members, colleagues, journalists, political leaders, and members of the public, all united in honoring the life and contribution of a journalist remembered for speaking truth to power and promoting peace through the media.