Authorities in South Sudan’s Lakes State have ordered the suspension of an online media outlet, accusing it of misusing the state’s name to conduct interviews with rebels and government critics.
The move against “Lakes State Media,” which is run mainly by South Sudanese in the diaspora, underscores the tense media environment in South Sudan, where press freedoms remain severely restricted. The online outlet had recently announced plans to interview Nhial Deng Nhial, a former minister who quit the ruling SPLM to form a new opposition movement.
The suspension was detailed in a ministerial order issued on Thursday and seen by Radio Tamazuj. It was signed by the state’s acting information minister, William Koji Kerjok.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj over the order, Minister Kerjok said the state government objected to the outlet’s name, arguing it implied official affiliation with the state.
“Lakes State is a territorial name, and of course it cannot be used by media houses where everyone’s views are discussed,” he said. “If the content includes political discussions or criticism of the South Sudan government, such a name should not be used.”
He compared the outlet’s use of the name to “using your mother’s name to criticize someone,” calling it unacceptable.
Kerjok added that the government had no problem with other independent media outlets such as Radio Tamazuj or Eye Radio because they operate under distinct names. He also speculated that the outlet might be run from abroad, possibly in the United States or Australia, and was “damaging the image of Lakes State back home.”
Thomas Thon Makorou, a senior correspondent for Lakes State Media in Juba, told Radio Tamazuj that the outlet’s management was meeting to discuss the order. He confirmed that the outlet is registered with the Media Authority and operates independently.
Makorou said the planned interview with SSSM leader Nhial Deng Nhial would go ahead on Sunday, with journalists scheduled to meet him in person. He acknowledged the government’s concern over the name and said management would decide on a new one soon.
“We will accept to make changes to the name,” he said, urging the government to “allow freedom of the press in the country.”
Civil society activists condemned the suspension. Daniel Laat Kon, a civil society activist based in Lakes State, confirmed the order and said the state government had overstepped its authority.
“Lakes State Media is registered with the Media Authority in Juba and operates like the New York Times, BBC or Voice of America,” Kon said. “We urge the state government to respect press freedom and political space in the country. This is government interference.”
The incident comes amid a broader crackdown on the press in South Sudan. Journalists frequently face harassment, intimidation, and arbitrary detention by state security forces, particularly the National Security Service, fostering widespread fear and self-censorship on issues such as conflict, corruption, and human rights.
Nhial Deng Nhial, the subject of the planned interview, is a veteran politician and former minister. He resigned from the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) last week, accusing President Salva Kiir’s administration of corruption, insecurity, and failure to organize long-delayed elections.
The SPLM has since denounced Nhial’s defection as an act of “betrayal,” calling it “deeply disappointing” and politically motivated.