(Juba) – South Sudanese journalist Deng Monychol was violently assaulted on Friday evening by a group of over ten armed youths in the Shirikat area of Juba, raising new concerns over growing insecurity in the capital and threats to press freedom.
According to Monychol, the attack occurred at approximately 6:50 p.m. while he was walking home. The gang, reportedly carrying pangas (machetes), surrounded him and struck him on the head, causing a deep wound. The attackers also stole his smartphone and tablet before fleeing the scene.
“On Friday evening at around 6:50 p.m., I was violently attacked by a group of more than ten gang members while on my way home. During the assault, they struck me with a panga, causing a deep cut to my head,” Monychol said in a statement. “In addition to the physical violence, they stole my tablet and smartphone.”
He was immediately taken to hospital, where he is now recovering. Despite surviving the attack, he described the emotional impact as severe. “By God’s grace, I survived — but the pain and trauma remain overwhelming,” he added.
The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) issued a public condemnation of the attack, calling it a serious threat to journalists and freedom of expression in the country. T
he union also urged law enforcement agencies to carry out a full investigation and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
No official arrests have been announced so far, and the motive behind the attack remains unclear.
Attacks targeting journalists are already a concern in South Sudan, where working conditions for media professionals remain difficult.
Thefts of digital devices such as smartphones are often motivated by both economic desperation and organised criminal behaviour.
Security officials have not yet issued a formal statement on the incident, but UJOSS has pressed for urgent action to ensure the safety of journalists and all civilians.
