Radio Jonglei’s management has apologized to the public and called on the government to lift its shutdown order, following allegations of violations that led to the station’s abrupt closure.
The community-based radio station was shut down over the weekend by state authorities, who claimed it had broadcast a provocative song inciting violence.
In response, Tijwong H. Agwet, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Radio Jonglei 95.9FM, issued a statement expressing regret over the incident and urging state officials to reopen the station.
“As the management of Radio Jonglei, we take full responsibility for the situation and sincerely apologize to our listeners and the broader community for any distress this may have caused,” Agwet said in a statement Tuesday.
“We are committed to continued engagement with state authorities, community leaders, and our audience to ensure that Radio Jonglei remains a trusted voice and unifying force across Jonglei State,” he stated “Although we regret the circumstances that led to this temporary shutdown, we remain fully committed to responsible journalism and constructive community dialogue.”
This is not the first time authorities have shut down Radio Jonglei. In May 2022, the station was briefly suspended for failing to broadcast a speech by then-Governor Denay Jock Chagor, a move that sparked national debate on press freedom.
Contrary to some reports circulating online, Agwet clarified that no staff members had been arrested in connection with the shutdown.
Civil society organizations have condemned the closure and urged the state government to uphold press freedom.
“The government must ensure that press freedom is respected across all states,” Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), said, called on authorities to allow Radio Jonglei to resume its operations.
Similarly, the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) and the Pan-African Peacemakers Alliance (PAPA) criticized the shutdown, urging South Sudan’s National Security Service (NSS) to reverse its decision and allow independent media to operate freely.
