South Sudanese Veteran Journalist Alfred Taban Dies at 62
One of the most well-known South Sudanese journalists, Alfred Taban Logune, died on Saturday, 27 April, 2019 at the age of 62.
The veteran journalist turned politician died in Uganda where he has been hospitalised for months as his health has been deteriorating. The cause of death is unknown. An official medical report has not yet to be released.
Born in 1957 in Kajo Keji, South Sudan, Taban was a broadcast journalist and former BBC correspondent in Khartoum, Sudan. He was the founder and former editor-in-chief of one of the leading independent newspapers in South Sudan, Juba Monitor, and former chairperson for the press lobby group, Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS). Formerly known as Khartoum Monitor, the Monitor was the first independent English newspaper in Sudan.
Taban received several awards for his work in journalism. In 2005, former Speaker of the British House of Commons, Michael Martin, presented the Speaker Abbot award to Alfred Taban in recognition of his work exposing the Darfur genocide. In 2006, Taban was one of three recipients of the National Endowment for Democracy award by former US President George W Bush.
Many including his daughter Nana Alfred took to social media to pay their respects and express their sadness over the news of his death.
My first article was a dedication to my Father #AlfredTaban. I remember how happy he was, to wake up in the morning to read his Daughter’s first article and it was about him. He called me with tears & said “Liyong, you have a bigger pen than I do and your journey will start soon pic.twitter.com/QDve5U1IPZ
— Nannah (@NanaAlfred) April 29, 2019
Shocking news from #SouthSudan today, the death of veteran journalist Alfred Taban. Baba as we journalists in South Sudan called him, spoke truth to power, a role model and a rock many journalists leaned on. May he Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/MsEAEzTSA1
— Hiba Morgan (@hiba_morgan) April 27, 2019
Very sorry indeed to hear that Alfred Taban the veteran South Sudanese journalist has passed away. He was the BBC Sudan correspondent for many years, and then ran the Khartoum Monitor and subsequently the Juba Monitor, before becoming an MP.
— James Copnall (@JamesCopnall) April 27, 2019
May your soul Rest In Peace Alfred Taban, former Editor in Chief of Juba monitor. You have done your part #SouthSudan pic.twitter.com/9vmJsQZNlq
— Denis Dumo (@DenisDumo) April 27, 2019
‘I was not created for nothing. I was created to play a role. To contribute something to my people. And until I do that I will not die. I will refuse to die. ‘
Sad news of #SouthSudan legend Alfred Taban; but my word, he did more than just contribute. https://t.co/XsZibItaCh— Peter Martell (@petermartell) April 27, 2019
Maybe grief will unify us
As a South Sudanese growing up in Khartoum during Bashir’s earlier years in power, I heard my parents speak HIGHEST of the brave uncle Alfred Taban, the BBC journalist who defied oppression and jailed many a time…RIP and thank you. pic.twitter.com/Jd9ibYdDMT
— Suzanne Jambo (@SuzanneJambo) April 27, 2019
I had brief but filfilling association with Alfred Taban while I served as Ambassador of my country to the Sudan. He then edited Khartoum Monotor which played cat and mouse game with the authorities constantly.
I belief Alfred had a rich, productive life, contributing much for humanity. May his noble soul rest in peace.