South Sudan Journalists Union Condemns Threats Against Eye Radio Reporter Covering Wad Madani Killings
By Majur Chol Khor
The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) and Eye Radio have issued separate, strongly worded statements condemning threats and intimidation against Eye Radio journalist Alhadi Hawari. The statements follow a series of disturbing phone calls received by Hawari, allegedly from individuals claiming to be members of the National Security service, related to his reporting on the deaths of South Sudanese citizens in Wad Madani, Sudan.
In a press statement signed by Majak Daniel Kuany Alier, Secretary General of UJOSS, the union strongly condemned the actions, stating they pose a “serious threat to journalist safety and press freedom” in South Sudan.
“This is a clear violation of constitutional rights,” the UJOSS statement declared, citing Article 24 of the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan (2011, as amended), which guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression, and Article 32, which ensures the right of access to information.
According to the UJOSS statement, Hawari received two threatening calls. The first, on February 11th, 2025, warned him against reporting on the Wad Madani killings. The second call on February 18th, 2025, included accusations of surveillance and further threats of consequences.
UJOSS has called on the Media Authority to investigate those behind the threats and “ensure that journalists can operate without fear.” The Union emphasized its commitment to defending media freedom and ensuring journalists can work without interference.
Eye Radio also released a separate statement expressing deep alarm over the threats against their senior journalist, Alhadi Hawari. The radio station confirmed the details of the threatening phone calls, describing one on February 11th as warning Hawari of an impending arrest related to his reporting on the Sudan incident and ordering him to halt further publication on the matter. The second call included interrogation about alleged surveillance.
“These threats are an obvious attempt to intimidate Mr. Hawari and prevent him from carrying out his journalistic duties,” the Eye Radio statement read. “Such actions violate the fundamental right to press freedom, a cornerstone of any democratic society.” Eye Radio firmly stands in support of Mr. Hawari’s right to report on matters of public interest, and we strongly condemn any form of harassment or intimidation aimed at silencing journalists.
The Wad Madani killings, and the subsequent threats against a journalist covering the story, represent a challenge to the principles of free and open reporting.
