South Sudanese journalist drowns in Western Equatoria

YAMBIO – A South Sudanese journalist working for local radio and international media drowned in the Nakpangua River in Yambio, colleagues and authorities said on Thursday, the second death to hit the country’s media community in less than a week.

The body of Matia Samuel, a reporter for Yambio FM and a correspondent for the U.S.-funded Voice of America (VOA), was recovered early Thursday morning following an intensive search operation.

Witnesses said Samuel entered the river on Wednesday and appeared to be washing his legs before he suddenly disappeared beneath the water. Local residents and journalists launched a search that continued through the night until the body was found.

The Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS) described Samuel’s death as a “heavy blow” to the profession.

Samuel was a graduate of the Media Development Institute and was known for his reporting on Western Equatoria State, a region that often lacks national media coverage.

His death follows the passing of another prominent journalist, Emmanuel Joseph Akile, who died days earlier in the capital, Juba.

“AMDISS extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and the entire media fraternity during this difficult time and calls for unity and solidarity as they mourn this great loss,” the association said in a statement.

Local authorities said they have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the drowning.

Journalism in South Sudan remains a challenging profession, where reporters frequently navigate both physical safety risks and political pressure.

The loss of two journalists in one week has prompted an outpouring of grief across the country’s media landscape.

South Sudan is currently in a transitional period as it prepares for general elections in 2026, with the media playing a critical role in public information despite significant resource constraints.