Veteran VOA journalist Charlton Doki dies in car accident in Juba

JUBA – The South Sudanese media community was rocked on Thursday evening by the sudden death of Charlton Doki, a senior journalist and editor with the Voice of America’s (VOA) “South Sudan in Focus” program.

Details surrounding his death are still emerging, with reports suggesting he was involved in a motorcycle accident in Juba.

Doki’s colleagues described him as a dedicated professional and a key figure within the program. Waakhe Simon Wudu, a fellow journalist at VOA, called him a “senior and veteran journalist” who played a pivotal role as coordinator and editor.

The family released a statement confirming Doki’s passing and revealed he died at Juba Teaching Hospital after the accident.

The statement, signed by Alfred George Jame, described Doki as a beloved son and a valued member of the community.

Doki’s impact extended beyond the newsroom. Sonya Laurence Green, a former director of VOA Africa, praised his journalistic skills and mentorship.

She highlighted his commitment to training and supporting reporters, noting his role in building a strong team behind “South Sudan in Focus.”

Green also described Doki as a personable individual, remembering him as “humble, kind, and fun to be with.” This personal touch painted a fuller picture of Doki, beyond his professional accolades.

Charlton Doki’s death represents a significant loss for the South Sudanese media landscape.