S. Sudan journalist killed in rebel controlled Akobo county

May 21, 2015 (JUBA) – A South Sudanese freelance reporter has been killed in what relatives and local officials said was a targeted revenge attack.

Pow James Reath, who left Bor, the capital of Jonglei state at the onset of the conflict, was a freelance reporter with UN-run Radio Miraya FM and most recently worked for Radio Tamazuj and Gurtong website.

Reath, who held a diploma in journalism and mass communications in Uganda, was allegedly moving to a nearby non-governmental organization (NGO) base to get internet access when he and Yohannes Pal Kuek, a master’s degree student who was on research mission, were killed.

“The killing of two young men in Akobo county on Wednesday has been strongly condemned,” said Gatwech Koak Nyuon, a peace activist in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune.

A displaced pro-government’s Akobo county commissioner, Taban Juoch, who is based in Juba, confirmed the killing of the two young men. He said there were no details.

“We are told this was a revenge attack,” he said when contacted for comment on Thursday.

Unconfirmed reports suggested that the victims were killed on Wednesday in a revenge attack between the Chie-Tot and Chie-Majok of Akobo East county in Lou-Nuer territory which is all under the control of the rebel forces led by former vice president, Riek Machar.

Inter-clan revenge killings are common in South Sudan where justice is not often available for victims and civilians resort to taking the laws into their own hands.

Activist Nyuon called for justice for the victims who were well educated and died under unclear circumstances.

“I appeal to authority in Akobo to critically look into situation so that civilians are aware of the importance of an educated person,” he said.

(ST)