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

JUBA, South Sudan (Eye Radio) – Emmanuel Joseph Akile was a star veteran journalist, a dedicated public servant, and the definitive voice of the nation’s peace process. As the presenter of Eye Radio’s flagship “The Dawn Show” and a member of the station’s senior leadership, his voice shaped national conversations and touched countless lives for over a decade.

An Extraordinary Journey: From Intern to Manager

Akile’s career is a testament to dedication and professional excellence. He began his journey at Eye Radio in 2014 as an ambitious Intern. Through hard work and an unwavering commitment to the truth, he rose steadily through the ranks:

In 2015, he was offered a job as a Broadcast Journalist. And in 2016, he became the lead presenter of The Dawn Show. At the time of his passing, as a Senior Broadcast Journalist, he was serving as a member of the Senior Management team. He was a mentor, an editor, and a trainer who shaped the next generation of South Sudanese journalists.

The Voice of “The Dawn Show” and a National Icon

For nine years, Akile’s energetic and confident voice woke up the country. Known for his calm delivery and bilingual eloquence in English and Arabic, he became a symbol of integrity.

His passing marks a devastating “end of an era” and a profound double tragedy for the station. Following the earlier loss of producer Charles Wote, the passing of Akile—the voice and soul of the program—has left the Eye Radio fraternity and the “Dawn family” in deep mourning.

Further, as a Senior Broadcast Journalist, he was the go-to professional for the country’s ‘big stories,’ frequently conducting high-stakes interviews with senior government officials and international diplomats.

Expert on the South Sudan Peace Process

Akile was widely regarded as the most knowledgeable journalist regarding South Sudan’s political landscape. He famously “owned” the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS), reading and analyzing it from Chapter One to Chapter Eight, page by page, to educate the citizenry. His expertise extended to the Addis Ababa peace talks and the Tumaini Initiative in Nairobi, where his reporting was praised for its exceptional professionalism.

Historic Papal Visit 2023

A specialist in diplomacy and governance, Akile stood at the center of South Sudan’s most historic milestones. He played a leading role in Eye Radio’s coverage of Pope Francis’ historic Ecumenical Pilgrimage of Peace to Juba in 2023, where his reporting captured the nation’s hope and translated the message of peace for millions.

Global Recognition and Awards

• 2019 | China: Attended senior media seminars in China to study 5G technology and emergency reporting.
• 2022 | United States: Selected for the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and the Edward R. Murrow Program.
• 2023 | Award Winner: Honored as the Radio Journalist of the Year at the Junub Talent Awards.

The Nation in Mourning: Tributes

Since the announcement of his passing, a profound outpouring of grief has united the nation. Tributes have poured in from the highest levels of leadership, including the National Ministry of Information, Communication, Technology and Postal Services, the Ministry of Federal Affairs, and the Central Equatoria State Government. Recognition of Akile’s legacy also came from the Media Authority, the SSPDF, and the National Police Service.

Furthermore, his impact was acknowledged by the UN and diplomatic communities, as well as the broader media fraternity, including AMDISS, the National Editors Forum (NEF), the Female Journalists Network (FJN), UJOSS, and various civil society organizations.

Stephen Omiri Obuor, Eye Radio’s CEO, described him as a cherished radio star and a symbol of eloquence: “Many of us admired his intelligence, charisma, and dedication.”

Final Days and Passing

Until his final moments, Akile remained a dedicated professional. He hosted his final broadcast on December 23, 2025, appearing healthy and energetic. He was rushed to Gudele Hospital in Juba on Monday evening, December 29, where he underwent surgery. Despite the efforts of the medical team, he succumbed to a short illness on the morning of Tuesday, December 30, 2025, in the Intensive Care Unit.

Emmanuel Joseph Akile is survived by a 13-year-old son. He rose from an intern to a senior management, and from a student of journalism to a master of the airwaves.

May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.