South Sudan has bid farewell to one of its most respected and recognizable radio voices, as veteran journalist and Eye Radio Dawn Show presenter Emmanuel Joseph Akile was laid to rest on Saturday at his family home in Gurei, on the outskirts of Juba.
Akile, 36, passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Gudele Hospital after a short illness, following a two-day hospitalization.
His death sent shockwaves across the country’s media fraternity and among listeners who had come to trust his calm, informed, and professional voice during South Sudan’s most defining national moments.
A requiem mass was held at St. Theresa Cathedral Catholic Church in Juba, drawing a large gathering of mourners from across the political, diplomatic, and media spectrum.
Among those in attendance were Dr. Lam Akol Ajawin, leader of the National Democratic Movement and former Minister of Transport; Deputy Governor of Central Equatoria State Paulino Lukudu Obede; United States Ambassador Michael J. Adler; and Central Equatoria State Minister of Information and Communication, Nyarsuk Patrick. Journalists, civil society representatives, Eye Radio staff, friends, and family members filled the cathedral in a solemn farewell.
The Auxiliary Bishop of Juba, Santo Lukudu Pio, led prayers for Akile’s soul, describing him as a man whose voice carried responsibility, truth, and service to the public.
Mourners paid tribute to his dedication to ethical journalism, his humility, and his unwavering commitment to informing the nation.
Born in 1989, Akile spent more than a decade in journalism, rising to national prominence as the long-time host of Eye Radio’s flagship morning programme, The Dawn Show, a role he held since 2016.
Through the programme, he became a trusted moderator of national conversations, known for analytical depth, balance, and a calm approach even during periods of political tension.
Throughout his career, Akile played a central role in covering South Sudan’s peace and political processes.
He extensively reported on the Addis Ababa peace talks and, more recently, the Kenya-mediated Tumaini Initiative in Nairobi, helping audiences navigate complex negotiations shaping the country’s future.
His reporting was widely respected for its accuracy, fairness, and strong public-interest focus.
In addition to broadcasting, Akile authored numerous news reports and in-depth features on diplomacy, governance, and peacebuilding work that contributed significantly to Eye Radio’s reputation as one of South Sudan’s most trusted media outlets.
His professionalism and growing influence were formally recognized in 2023, when he was awarded Radio Journalist of the Year at the Junub Talent Awards.
Following the church service, Akile was laid to rest at his family residence in Gurei, where colleagues and well-wishers reflected on a life devoted to truth, dialogue, and public service.
Akile’s passing marks a profound loss for South Sudan at a time when credible and professional journalism remains vital to peacebuilding, accountability, and informed public discourse.
Though his voice has fallen silent, his legacy as one of the nation’s most trusted radio journalists will continue to resonate across the airwaves and beyond.
