By Woja Emmanuel Wani
JUBA — Concerns are mounting over the deteriorating state of the media industry in South Sudan, with journalists and media practitioners warning that the sector is regressing instead of developing, particularly in regard to the welfare, safety, and health of journalists.
The concerns come at a time when the country is mourning the death of veteran media personality Emmanuel Joseph Akile, whose passing has once again drawn attention to the harsh realities faced by journalists in South Sudan.
Over the last five years, at least seven journalists have lost their lives, including Denis Morris, Richard Janda, Diana John Wani, and her father John Wani, who worked for Radio Miraya and Eye Radio respectively. The recent deaths of Wote Charles and Emmanuel Joseph Akile have intensified calls for urgent reforms within the media sector.
While death is a natural part of life, media practitioners argue that many journalists in South Sudan are exposed to avoidable risks due to poor working conditions. Low salaries, lack of medical insurance, and limited access to quality healthcare have left many journalists vulnerable to illnesses that could otherwise be treated.
Journalists with experience working in neighboring countries such as Uganda and Kenya say the mortality rate among journalists there is significantly lower, raising serious questions about why South Sudan continues to lose media professionals at an alarming rate.
Criticism has also been directed at media institutions, organizations, and donors that claim to champion journalists’ welfare. Despite repeated fundraising and advocacy efforts conducted in the name of journalists, little progress has been made in improving working conditions, ensuring fair pay, or providing medical insurance.
Media practitioners further argue that annual short-term trainings and workshops held in Juba hotels have failed to address the deeper structural problems affecting the media industry.
The situation has forced some journalists to quit the profession or seek opportunities outside the country, a move they say was driven by survival rather than a lack of commitment. They maintain that journalism should not be a death sentence, as journalists enter the profession to serve their communities by providing accurate and reliable information.
Calls are now growing for media institutions, funders, and industry leaders to take immediate action by prioritizing journalists’ welfare, improving working environments, and guaranteeing medical insurance coverage. Some voices have even suggested that institutions mandated to protect journalists should be honest about their capacity to do so if meaningful change cannot be delivered.
As the media fraternity continues to mourn its fallen colleagues, journalists are urging stakeholders to move beyond statements of condolence and take concrete steps to safeguard those still working in the industry.
This article was written by Woja Emmanuel Wani and prepared for publication on the Juba TV page.
