Warrap radio presenter freed after arrest over government criticism

KUAJOK — A South Sudanese radio journalist has been released after being held for four days by security forces in Warrap State following a broadcast in which he called for government reforms, a media union said on Thursday.

Jacob Aken Majok, a presenter for Kuajok 99.00 FM, was released Thursday morning after his arrest on Jan. 5 by the National Security Service. The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) confirmed the release and noted that the case has been referred to the State Ministry of Information and Communication to be managed as an administrative issue.

Aken was detained after a live New Year broadcast where he criticized the government and called for improved policies in Warrap State. While initial reports suggested potential physical harm, UJOSS officials who spoke with Aken following his release confirmed he was not physically mistreated, though he remained weak due to a lack of rest during his time in custody.

“We wish to inform the public that our colleague, Mr Jacob Aken, a journalist working with Kuajok 99 FM, who was arrested by the National Security on Monday, 5 January 2026, has been released on Thursday morning,” said Daniel Mareng Wek Magok, UJOSS Coordinator in Warrap State.

The union expressed concern over the “unilateral” nature of the arrest, stating that it was carried out without prior notification to professional bodies.

UJOSS argued that the procedures violated constitutional principles and that such complaints should be addressed first with the media organisation and the Ministry of Information.

“UJOSS notes with concern that the arrest of the journalist was carried out without prior notification or information shared with UJOSS, the professional body mandated to represent journalists. This practice undermines coordination and transparency,” the union said.

The incident comes amid a broader atmosphere of grief and tension within the South Sudanese media fraternity following the recent deaths of two other journalists, Matia Samuel in Yambio and Emmanuel Joseph Akile in Juba.

UJOSS advised journalists in the state to remain professional and uphold ethics when covering controversial events, while announcing plans to meet with security agencies to ensure reporters can carry out their duties without hindrance.