South Sudan journalists’ union demands answers over missing journalist

JUBA – The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) has expressed deep concern about the disappearance of the former director general of state-owned TV/Rado, SSBC, Adil Faras who went missing last week.

The President of UJOSS, Oyet Patrick, yesterday issued a statement noting that preliminary information indicates that Faras is at National Security Service detention.

“The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) is deeply concerned about the disappearance of freelance journalist Adil Faras on January 23, 2025,” he said. “Preliminary information suggests that he is in the custody of the National Security Services (NSS) for undisclosed reasons.”

Patrick condemned the detention of journalists without due process or notifying their families.

“We call on the NSS to expedite its investigations, grant Faras access to his family and lawyer and adhere to the legal procedures outlined in the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan, 2011 (as amended) articles 12,19 and 24 safeguard liberty, fair trial and freedom of expression,” he said.

UJOSS urged for immediate dialogue between the NSS, the union, and the Media Authority to address concerns.

“UJOSS also urges immediate dialogue between the NSS and the Union to address underlying concern, with media authority as a mediator, constructive engagement will ensure journalists rights are upheld while addressing security concerns lawfully,” Patrick said.

UJOSS affirmed its readiness to engage in dialogue and cooperation to foster a safe and enabling environment for journalists, which is vital for the country’s democratic and peacebuilding processes.

Faras was last seen on Thursday, Jan. 23, before being allegedly apprehended by unknown gunmen, according to his wife, Amira Nahawi.

“To people who know him and the stay in Juba Adil went missing since Thursday evening 23/1/2025 and according to my little knowledge he was taken to unknown place,” she wrote.

Nahawi, who is currently in Egypt, urged law enforcement agencies, families, and acquaintances to help locate Faras.

Police spokesperson Col. John Kassara said he was unaware of Faras’ disappearance but vowed to investigate whether he had been arrested at any police station.