| Woja Emmanuel | |
| Birth Date: | 4 January 1994 |
| Occupation: | Journalist |
| Employer: | Eye Radio (formerly) |
Woja Emmanuel (born 4 January 1994) is a South Sudanese multimedia journalist. He is a former news editor for Eye Radio and an independent broadcaster in Juba, South Sudan.[1]
In March 2022, Woja was abducted by armed men in Juba who interrogated and tortured him about his journalism work. The kidnappers accused him of publishing inciting content and alleged connections to rebel groups in the country.[2] This ordeal is believed to be linked to his reporting on sensitive issues reflecting the precarious environment for journalists in South Sudan.[3]
The kidnapping occurred when Woja was approached near his Eye Radio workplace and forced into a vehicle at gunpoint. He was held for hours, and subjected to both physical and psychological torture before he escaped.[4] His kidnapping widely condemned by the media freedom organizations highlighted the increasing dangers faced by journalists in South Sudan.[5] His kidnapping raised concerns about the safety of human rights defenders in South Sudan as the country prepared for elections in 2024.[6]
Following the abduction, Woja resigned from Eye Radio citing concerns for his safety and the need to reflect on his experiences. His decision marked a turning point in his career as he shifted to freelance journalism to continue his work in a safer and more flexible capacity.[7]
Following his kidnapping, Woja became one of the few journalists who fled South Sudan to seek safety, as a result of the harsh media environment.[8]