Authorities in South Sudan’s Lakes State have arrested Manyang Mayom Meen, a senior journalist with U.N.-owned Radio Miraya FM, and detained him in the remote Mabor-duong detention center.
The arrest was reportedly carried out by a unit of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) in Rumbek East County. Sources say the SSPDF unit acted on orders from Lakes State Governor Gen. Rin Tueny.
Relatives and civil society groups told Radio Tamazuj that Manyang was arrested Saturday under unclear circumstances. His condition is reportedly deteriorating due to a recent surgery.
Daniel Laat Kon, a civil society activist in Lakes State, confirmed the arrest. “I have verified with his wife that the U.N. Radio Miraya FM journalist has been detained in Mabor-duong, but the authorities have not given a reason,” Kon said.
“Mabor-duong is a detention center where criminals are held by security forces. Journalists should not be kept there,” he added, noting that he is following up with state authorities for more details.
Abak Jacob, a close relative of Manyang, told Radio Tamazuj that the journalist’s wife and family are traveling to Rumbek East to see him. “We were told his health is worsening in detention, and security forces have confiscated all his phones,” she said. “This appears work-related, not a personal issue.”
When contacted, Lakes State’s acting information minister, William Koji, declined to comment on the arrest.
Journalists in South Sudan frequently face harassment and detention.
During this year’s World Press Freedom Day, Radio Tamazuj interviewed multiple journalists who expressed concerns over ongoing press freedom challenges in the country.