South Sudan’s National Security Service forcibly shut down a community radio station in the town of Bor on Sunday, ejecting staff and briefly detaining a journalist without explanation, witnesses said.
Security agents stormed the offices of Radio Jonglei 95.9 FM, ordered employees to leave, locked the building and cut off its live broadcast, according to witnesses who spoke to Radio Tamazuj on Monday.
Under the National Security Service law, security agents enjoy extensive powers, including the authority to arrest and detain individuals, even without warrants, raising concerns about the potential for abuse.
“We were caught completely off guard,” said one station employee, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals. “They didn’t give us a chance to explain anything. They just chased us out and locked the studio.”
The security service summoned four staff members for questioning Monday, including Managing Director Tijwog Agwet. Journalist Deng John was briefly detained during the raid.
Sources, who were not authorized to speak publicly, said the shutdown may be linked to recent broadcasts allegedly containing “war songs” related to intercommunal violence in the disputed Buothagany fishing island.
The conflict involves the Ayual community of Twic East County and the Hol community of Duk County.
Jonglei State Information Minister Nyamar Lony Thichiot called it “a small matter” that would be resolved.
This is not the first time authorities have targeted Radio Jonglei. In May 2022, the station was briefly closed for failing to broadcast a speech by then-Governor Denay Jock Chagor, sparking national criticism.
The South Sudan Media Authority, which regulates the press, had not commented on the latest closure by Monday. Repeated attempts to reach its Managing Director, Elijah Alier, were unsuccessful.