By Taban Gabriel
Late journalist Richard Sultan was posthumously honored with a prestigious IGAD Award in the Digital Category just days after his passing. The announcement came as the South Sudanese media community, and Sultan’s family continued to mourn his untimely demise.
A video shared online showed an elated mood at the awards ceremony in Nairobi, Kenya, as the Master of Ceremony initially announced South Sudanese journalist Mamer Abraham as the winner in the radio category. The recognition of Sultan added a bittersweet moment to the event, coming barely ten days after the tragic loss.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we move forward to the second award in the radio, the winner is Mamer Abraham from VOA Africa South Sudan”
As Mamer received his award and was heading out of the podium, the MC again picked up the microphone and announced the next winner, who happened to be Sultan.
“Ladies and gentlemen, our next set of wards are the digital awards, and the impact of digital can’t be underscored more through the amazing statistic that there are currently over 9 billion phone subscriptions in the world, yet we only have 8 billion people. Now, that underlines the potential that digital presents to the world, but for now, let’s announce,” the announcer stressed.
A group Photo during the IGAD Media Award in Nairobi (File Photo)
“But for now, let’s announce the first winner in the digital category of the IGAD Media Award 2024 from South Sudan, Richard Sultan from Open Democracy,” he announced.
However, before the MC could finish his humorous proclamation, traditionally followed by a round of applause, a female voice interjected and announced the sudden news of Richard Sultan.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we have an announcement to make; unfortunately, our colleague, Richard Sultan from open democracy, passed away earlier from an illness after we found out that he had won the award. Ladies and gentlemen, let’s observe a minute of silence to honor his life and honor his work, Richard Sultan from South Sudan”
A video from the event showed a somber moment as the announcement of Richard Sultan’s subsequent award sent a wave of emotion across the hall, prompting the audience to stand in respect. The award was accepted on his behalf by fellow winner Mamer Abraham, who later handed it to the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS).
Mamer Abraham with his award and the one of Richard Sultan (File Photo)
Although Sultan has already been laid to rest, UJOSS continues to explore ways to support his family in organizing a proper farewell. According to a statement shared in a journalists’ WhatsApp group, Sultan’s family confirmed that he passed away after a brief illness. The late journalist had contributed to several media platforms, including Sudan Tribune and Hot in Juba, as well as international news websites. May his soul rest in peace.