National security officers close radio in South Sudan’s Jonglei

By Manyuon Mayen Manyuon

National security officers in South Sudan’s Jonglei State have closed down Radio Jonglei 95.9 FM, claiming it was doing so to prevent airing of a planned protest in the country.

Three journalists working at the radio were also briefly held before being released.

The protest in question has been planned by a group calling itself the People’s Coalition of Civil Action with the aim to force a change in the leadership in South Sudan.

Reached by phone, Veronica William Deng, the Jonglei Information Minister said that she was not aware of the closure of the radio.

“National Security Personnel said they have shut down Radio Jonglei simply because they suspect that the news outlet might broadcast about the planned protest on 30 August,” a source in Jonglei said on condition of anonymity.