Night Blaze Engulfs Custom Market
Flames surged through Juba’s bustling Custom Market on Monday evening, destroying rows of stalls and forcing vendors to flee. Witnesses described an inferno advancing toward the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation compound, lighting the sky orange above the Nyakuron neighborhood.
Livestream Interrupted by Detention
Journalist Santo Jal Dut began livestreaming the blaze, voicing frustration at the absent fire brigade and appealing directly to President Salva Kiir. Moments into his broadcast, security personnel approached, seized his phone, and escorted him into an unmarked vehicle at 9:30 p.m.
Footage captured a soldier’s voice saying, “We are looking for you,” before the video cut. South Sudan Media calls the arrest an attack on legitimate reporting, noting lawyers have been denied access and no formal charges filed.
Detention Raises Press Freedom Fears
Advocacy groups link Dut’s detention to a recent arrest of Arabic-language journalist Michael Christopher, warning of a pattern of intimidation. “Journalism is not a crime,” South Sudan Media stressed, urging immediate release and transparent disclosure of any allegations.
Legal experts argue South Sudan’s transitional constitution upholds freedom of expression, requiring detainees to be informed of charges within 24 hours. Blocking counsel, they say, risks contravening both domestic law and regional human-rights treaties.
Authorities Face Call for Transparent Probe
Government spokespeople have not publicly commented on Dut’s whereabouts. Observers recommend a quick, transparent investigation to reassure citizens and international partners of South Sudan’s commitment to media safety and rule of law, particularly during emergencies such as Monday’s market fire.