Veteran South Sudanese journalist, women’s rights advocate and media pioneer Veronica Lucy Gordon has been killed in an attack by unidentified gunmen targeting a vehicle carrying delegates travelling from Mundri East to Mundri West on Thursday night.
Gordon, a former journalist with the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), was among those killed when gunmen attacked the delegation at around 9:00 PM in Miri Loko village as they travelled from Lui to Mundri West.
She had recently been nominated to contest for a women’s seat in the National Legislative Assembly.
Gordon was a co-founder of the Association of Media Women in South Sudan (AMWISS), an organisation established in 2006 to promote women’s participation, representation and leadership in the media industry.
She also served as the first female Deputy Chairperson of the Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS), breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated media sector.
Her journalism career dates back to 1983, when she began writing for the Nile Mirror newspaper, focusing on girls’ education. Over the years, she worked as a journalist, radio broadcaster, producer and media leader, dedicating much of her professional life to amplifying women’s voices and advancing the role of female journalists in South Sudan.
In recognition of her contribution to media and women’s empowerment, Gordon was selected among Africa’s 100 Most Influential Women by the 2024 African Women Awards.
Her death marks a significant loss to South Sudan’s media fraternity and the women’s rights movement, particularly for generations of female journalists whose participation and professional advancement she championed.
The attack reportedly left at least two people dead, including Gordon, and one person critically injured. Several other delegates remain missing after reportedly fleeing into nearby bushes during the incident.
The injured victim is receiving treatment at Lui Hospital.
According to a media report by Amadi FM, Western Equatoria State Caretaker Minister of Information and Communication, Hon. Noah Issa, said attempts to reach the commissioners of Mundri East and Mundri West had been unsuccessful. He pledged to provide further information once credible details become available.
Gordon’s killing comes amid ongoing political party primaries ahead of South Sudan’s anticipated December 22 general elections.
Since the news was released to the public in this morning, messages of condolences have been pouring in from the Media Fraternity, the Civil Society, friends and family members.
