JUBA, South Sudan — Two South Sudanese journalists, Vivian Nandeng Alfonse and Mama Hawa Adams, are among several passengers who perished in a tragic plane crash involving a CityLink Aviation aircraft on Monday morning, in an accident that has shaken both the media fraternity and the wider public.
The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) confirmed the deaths of the two media professionals in a joint press statement issued on April 27, 2026, describing their passing as a profound loss to journalism in the country.
Vivian Nandeng Alfonse served as Secretary of the UJOSS Central Equatoria State Branch, while Mama Hawa Adams was a widely respected broadcast journalist working with Spirit 99.9 FM in Yei.
According to the statement, the crash claimed the lives of all passengers and crew on board the aircraft, though authorities have yet to publicly confirm the exact number of fatalities. The absence of survivors underscores the scale of the tragedy, which has prompted calls for urgent investigations into aviation safety standards in South Sudan.
The ill-fated aircraft, identified as a Cessna 208 Caravan with registration number SY-NOK and operated by CityLink Aviation Ltd, departed Yei Airfield at approximately 9:15 a.m., bound for Juba International Airport. The flight was expected to be routine, connecting the town of Yei to the capital, a route frequently used by aid workers, traders, and local passengers.
However, communication with the aircraft was lost at around 9:43 a.m., raising immediate alarm among aviation authorities. Subsequent reports from the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority indicated that the plane crashed approximately 20 kilometers southwest of Juba. Rescue efforts were launched, but officials later confirmed that there were no survivors.
The deaths of Vivian Nandeng Alfonse and Mama Hawa Adams have particularly resonated within South Sudan’s media landscape. Colleagues remember Vivian as a committed leader and a strong advocate for journalists’ welfare and professional standards. In her role with UJOSS, she worked to strengthen unity among journalists and champion press freedom in a challenging environment.
Mama Hawa Adams, on the other hand, was known for her powerful voice on the airwaves and her dedication to informing communities in Yei and beyond. Over the years, she built a reputation as a trusted broadcaster who covered local issues with depth and integrity, earning respect from listeners and peers alike.
Tragedy in South Sudan as Passenger Plane Crashes Near Juba, Killing All 14 On Board
“Their dedication to the truth and their commitment to informing the public will remain a lasting legacy in South Sudan,” the UJOSS statement emphasized.
The union extended heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased, as well as to all other victims of the crash. It described the incident as a moment of shared grief for the nation, calling on the public to stand in solidarity with those affected.
Beyond mourning, UJOSS used the statement to call for immediate action from authorities. The organization urged the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority and the Ministry of Transport to undertake a swift, thorough, and transparent investigation into the cause of the crash.
Aviation incidents in South Sudan have raised concerns in recent years, with stakeholders pointing to challenges such as aging aircraft, limited regulatory oversight, and difficult operating conditions. Monday’s crash is likely to intensify scrutiny of the sector, particularly regarding safety compliance and enforcement mechanisms.
“It is vital that the circumstances leading to this tragedy are fully understood to ensure the safety of our aviation industry and to prevent such heart-wrenching losses in the future,” UJOSS stated.
As investigations begin, attention is expected to focus on multiple factors, including the aircraft’s maintenance history, weather conditions at the time of the flight, pilot communication records, and air traffic control data.
The crash site, located about 20 kilometers southwest of Juba, has reportedly been secured by relevant authorities, with teams working to recover debris and any available flight data. Such evidence will be critical in piecing together the final moments of the flight and determining the sequence of events that led to the accident.
The tragedy has also sparked an outpouring of grief on social media, where journalists, civil society groups, and citizens have shared tributes to the victims and called for improved safety measures.
For the media community, the loss of two prominent journalists in a single incident is particularly painful. It not only deprives the profession of experienced voices but also highlights the risks that journalists face, even outside conflict zones, as they go about their daily work.
UJOSS has indicated that further information will be communicated as it becomes available and has encouraged the public to honor the memory of those who lost their lives. Plans for memorial services and tributes to the fallen journalists are expected to be announced in the coming days.
As South Sudan grapples with the outcome of the crash, the focus now shifts to accountability and prevention. For many, the hope is that a thorough investigation will not only explain what happened but also lead to meaningful reforms that enhance the safety and reliability of the country’s aviation sector.
Until then, the nation mourns the lives lost, among them two dedicated journalists whose work informed, connected, and inspired their communities. Their absence leaves a void that will be deeply felt across newsrooms and airwaves in South Sudan.
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