JUBA, Nov. 29, 2024 — South Sudan’s National Security Service (NSS) arrested Emmanuel Monychol, editor-in-chief of The Dawn newspaper, in Juba on Thursday evening, according to a family member who spoke to Sudans Post.
Monychol was reportedly detained at his office between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. local time by men in NSS uniforms. “We haven’t confirmed where he is being held,” the family member said. “If he is at the Blue House, the NSS headquarters, or elsewhere, we do not know.”
Civil society activist Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), condemned the arrest, calling it an example of South Sudan’s ongoing human rights challenges. “The act of arrest without a warrant is a general national crisis,” Yakani said in a statement, urging authorities to ensure Monychol’s safety and security.
The arrest comes shortly after the NSS released nearly 20 political detainees last week following the dismissal of Internal Security Bureau Director General Akol Koor Kuc. These releases had fueled cautious optimism for reform, but Monychol’s detention has reignited concerns over the agency’s treatment of journalists and activists.
Monychol, who has faced brief detentions previously, is known for his critical reporting, which often scrutinizes state institutions. The NSS has been widely criticized for its human rights record, with detention practices under scrutiny by national and international organizations.
The replacement of Akol Koor Kuc, who led the NSS during years of reported human rights abuses, had been viewed as a potential turning point for South Sudan’s troubled security apparatus. However, Monychol’s arrest highlights the continuing challenges for press freedom in a country struggling with political instability and government transparency.
No statement has been issued by the NSS regarding the reasons for Monychol’s detention
