Lakes Media to host Nhial Deng Nhial despite suspension by State

RUMBEK –Lakes Media has announced plans to host an exclusive interview with Nhial Deng Nhial, leader of the South Sudan Salvation Movement (SSSM), despite being suspended by the Lakes State government on Thursday this week.

In a statement released Thursday, the outlet said, “Dear viewers, Lakes Media is delighted to announce that we will be hosting an exclusive political conversation with Hon. Nhial Deng Nhial, Chairperson of the South Sudan Salvation Movement, on Sunday, October 26, 2025.”

The discussion will center on “Nhial Deng Nhial’s decision to suspend his SPLM membership and the formation of the South Sudan Salvation Movement (SSSM).”

The announcement came shortly after the state government ordered the suspension of Lakes Media, accusing it of hosting groups considered hostile to the government. Acting State Minister of Information, William Koji Kirjok, said the outlet’s activities risked undermining the image of Lakes State and advised it to adopt a name that better reflects independence and professionalism.

While acknowledging the outlet’s contribution to public awareness, Koji expressed concern that its coverage of political defections and opposition figures could have “a negative impact on the state and its community.”

In response, the outlet’s management defended its operations and clarified that it had already rebranded from Lakes State Media to Lakes Media before the suspension order.

“Our organization was established on April 29, 2019, in the United States and later registered in South Sudan under the name Lakes State Media,” the statement read. “The government initially welcomed our presence without raising concerns about our name or operations.”

The outlet further explained that using a geographic name is both legal and common practice in the media industry, citing examples like South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) and New York Magazine.

“To comply with national laws, we registered the new name Lakes Media with the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs on May 29, 2025,” the statement added. “Unfortunately, before we could complete our rebranding process, the state government hastily declared our suspension.”

Meanwhile, Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), condemned the suspension, calling it a sign of shrinking civic and political space in South Sudan.

“It is vital to uphold media freedom,” Yakani said. “The SPLM freely expressed its position on Nhial Deng Nhial’s political move, yet now, when equal space is given to him, restrictions are imposed on Lakes Media.”

He urged the state authorities to lift the suspension and allow the outlet to operate freely without interference.