Radio Miraya

On the Miraya Breakfast Show, the last hour focused on Red Hand Day, marked on 12 February, and the call to end the recruitment and use of child soldiers. Host Gabriel Shadar spoke with Oluku Andrew Holt from the NDDRC, Allan Kudumoch, a former child soldier, and Daniel Anaya from GREDO about progress in releasing children, the challenges of funding and access, and the need for psychosocial support and education. The guests urged families, communities, leaders, and armed groups to keep children in school and protect them from recruitment.

On Radio Miraya Nationwide, host Gabriel Shadar discussed transitional justice and South Sudan’s planned Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing, with guest Dr. Baba Galleh Jallow, former Executive Secretary of The Gambia’s truth commission. Dr. Jallow explained that transitional justice helps address past human rights violations and build a better future, saying truth commissions can work with traditional justice systems but need stronger political will, clear procedures, and protection for victims and witnesses. He outlined how victims testify first, alleged perpetrators are then asked to respond, and psychosocial support is key because truth telling can reopen trauma. Callers questioned accountability and whether the process can work amid ongoing insecurity, and Dr. Jallow said it can start even before conflict fully ends and can support peacebuilding, noting the current mandate period is 2005 to 2018.

Today, we continue our discussion on transitional justice with a focus on truth-seeking, why victims have a right to know the truth and to tell their stories.Our guest is Dr. Baba Jallow, former Executive Secretary of The Gambia’s Truth Commission and Chair of the African Union’s Continental Reference Group on Transitional Justice.We examine how truth-seeking works, including the role of the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing in documenting experiences, investigating evidence, and summoning testimony, and why this process is essential for lasting peace.

On Radio Miraya Roundtable, host Dr Yach Garang led a discussion on whether political parties are truly ready for the December 2026 elections, amid repeated delays and ongoing implementation gaps in the RARCSS. Guests explored the current status of party registration under the Political Parties Act 2022, key benchmarks such as nationwide presence and membership requirements, and the practical challenges parties face, including those related to the political, security, and economic environments. The conversation also looked at internal party divisions and what renewed dialogue efforts, including the Tumaini calls and the new elections-related committee, could mean for the roadmap ahead. The guests were Hon. James Akol Zakayo of the Political Parties Council, Bol Joseph Agau of the National Democratic Movement, and Dr Gai Chol Paul of the People’s United Forum.

As South Sudan marked World Cancer Day, the World Health Organization warns that cancer is an increasing public health threat, with many cases linked to preventable risk factors such as tobacco use, poor diet and infections. WHO’s Dr Moses Mutebi stresses the importance of prevention, early screening and building national capacity for diagnosis and treatment. Civil society activist Edmund Yakani adds that stronger investment in health, particularly cancer care, is critical to reduce costly referrals abroad and protect vulnerable communities.

The National Council of Traditional Authority Leaders (NCOTAL) is set to convene a national conference bringing together chiefs, elders and traditional leaders from across South Sudan at a time of growing insecurity and social strain. With communities grappling with intercommunal violence, displacement, land disputes and fractured relations, the meeting aims to position traditional leaders at the centre of peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts. This episode explores the purpose of the conference, the issues leaders are carrying from their communities, and how traditional authority can help promote unity, peaceful coexistence and practical solutions on the ground, including the role of youth and women in shaping lasting peace.Guests Archbishop Moses Deng Bol – Peace Envoy, South Sudan Council of Churches Paramount Chief Barnaba Isaac – Envoy of the Cholo Kingdom to the Government of South Sudan Sultan Jacob Madhel Lang – Chairperson, Warrap State COTAL

The United People’s Alliance (UPA), led by Pagan Amum, has confirmed receiving the framework document for the National Consensus Dialogue on South Sudan. The mediators invited the alliance to participate in the next phase of the Tumaini Peace Initiative in Nairobi. UPA spokesperson Bor Gatwech Kuany says the alliance’s leadership is holding consultations on the proposed framework.

This episode of Seasons focuses on wildlife protection and sustainable conservation in South Sudan’s Great Nile migration landscapes. The programme explores how economic pressures, insecurity and weak enforcement are affecting ecosystems and biodiversity. It examines rising poaching, habitat loss and growing tensions between communities and wildlife. The discussion highlights the role of law, conservation institutions and local communities in protecting natural resources, while asking how South Sudan can balance development needs with long-term environmental sustainability. Guests: General Khamis Adieng Diing, Director General, National Ministry of Wildlife Conservation & Tourism Floringtong Aseerrvatham, Country Representative, African Parks Networks in South Sudan

Save the Children has suspended its operations in Walgak, Akobo County of Jonglei State, disrupting vital nutrition and health services for malnourished children. The organization’s Country Director, Christopher Nyamandi, says the move followed the seizure of four vehicles, including an ambulance, by armed groups last month. He warns that more than 200,000 people could be affected by the suspension

On Radio Miraya’s Nationwide, host Sani Martin spoke with Ambassador Mohamed Ali Guyo, Deputy Chairperson of the Tumaini Peace Initiative, about the newly handed over Framework for Dialogue on a South Sudan National Consensus and whether it can succeed where past peace efforts failed. Ambassador Guyo outlined the framework’s key pillars, including an immediate cessation of hostilities, stabilization, civilian protection, humanitarian access, confidence building measures, alignment with the constitution, and a pathway to credible, timely, free and fair elections, alongside post election priorities such as permanent constitution making, transitional justice, solutions for IDPs and refugees, and security sector reform. He said the process is designed to be inclusive and non-hierarchical, bringing in government, opposition and holdout groups, civil society, faith-based groups, women, youth and traditional leaders, and shifting talks from zero-sum bargaining to problem-solving. He added that negotiations are expected to begin on the 9th of the month with a strict four-week timeline, with possible minor procedural extensions, while regional and continental actors, including IGAD and the AU C5, are expected to help support guarantees for implementation, as listener questions focused on participation, costs, and regional interests.

On this episode of Spotlight, host Moro Lokombo speaks with Pontus Joseph Pog Njenom, a Cameroonian UNMISS Human Rights Officer, in a warm and fun conversation about UNV life in South Sudan, mixing jokes with real reflections. Pontus explains that joining UNV was his pathway into the UN system and shares how the experience shaped him through field and HQ exposure, including two years in Rumbek, where he worked closely with communities, supported the justice chain, and contributed to training for security and law enforcement. He speaks about challenges like being away from family and enduring long patrols without power, water, or internet, but says the field experience remains his best memory because it showed him the realities of conflict and the impact of UN support.

On Radio Miraya Nationwide, host Gabriel Shadar spoke with the UK Ambassador to South Sudan, David Ashley, as he marked one year in the country.Ambassador Ashley reflected on meeting South Sudanese during his visits, including schoolchildren, cattle camps, and women supported through programmes addressing gender-based violence.He outlined three priorities for the year ahead: supporting peace through inclusive dialogue and respect for the peace agreement; continuing UK support in health, education, and humanitarian assistance; and pushing for stronger public financial management so that national resources benefit citizens.

As chieftainship elections take place in Lakes State, this episode explores what democracy looks like beyond national elections. Drawing on South Sudan’s Local Government Act, 2009, the discussion examines how traditional leadership, community participation and decentralisation shape people’s power at the local level. The programme looks at accountability, inclusion of women and youth, and the balance between custom and modern governance, asking what these elections reveal about grassroots democracy and community ownership of leadership. Guest:Achuil Malith Banggol, Council of Traditional Authority Leaders (COTAL) Advisor

In today’s episode of Kalam Niswan, the show marked the International Day of Data Privacy and focused on why protecting personal information matters in the digital age, especially for women and girls. Our guest is Yine Yenki, Co-Founder and Mentorship Director at GoGirls ICT Initiative. She explained that data privacy means having control over your personal information and stressed that responsibility is shared between individuals, online platforms, and government systems. She encouraged people to learn how social media works before using it, and highlighted the need for digital safety education in schools and at home, including parents guiding children’s online use. The discussion also touched on online harassment, misuse of photos, and the growing risks of AI manipulation, with the guest emphasising awareness and community education as key tools for protection.

On this segment of Miraya Breakfast Show, Dr Idyoro Ojukwu explains that cervical cancer affects the cervix and is one of the most preventable cancers through HPV vaccination and regular screening. She says many women in South Sudan still seek help late, often when treatment options are limited, and highlights key risk factors such as persistent high-risk HPV infection, weakened immunity, including HIV, and multiple sexual partners. She urges women to screen regularly, even without symptoms, outlines warning signs that should prompt immediate medical attention, and notes barriers such as low awareness, cost, distance, and limited screening sites. She ends with a community call to support women in accessing screening services.

On this segment of the Miraya Breakfast Show, Emmanuel Lobijo explains that the "Not Another Generation" campaign is a peaceful, non-violent and non-partisan initiative calling for an end to the killing of young people in South Sudan. He says the group is holding a five-day online silent candle vigil from 26 to 30 January, inviting people in the country and the diaspora to light a candle from 8 to 10 PM and share in silence using the hashtag #NotAnotherGeneration. Lobijo says the silence and the candle are meant to honour lives lost, calm anger, and restore hope, while keeping the campaign free from political affiliation or confrontation. He urges youth to choose dialogue over violence and calls on leaders to stop the fighting and return to dialogue, with continued support from the international community.

Today’s conversation focuses on how legal frameworks can be used to combat gender-based violence in South Sudan, a challenge that remains widespread, from domestic abuse to violence linked to conflict and communal tensions. Joining me online is Dr. Akuch Kuol Anyieth, a legal scholar whose work centres on gender-based violence and legal interventions.Dr. Akuch has taught and published extensively on issues including gender-based violence, trauma, masculinity, and social reform. She has worked for many years in Australia and is currently a research fellow at the Centre for the Study of the Afterlife of Violence and Reparative Quest at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. Internationally recognised for her advocacy, she is a recipient of the Excellence in Justice Award and the La Trobe University Distinguished Alumni Award.

With just eleven months to go, President Salva Kiir has announced plans to form a high-level committee to revive dialogue among signatories to the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement. The move comes amid fragile political trust and renewed international calls for an end to violence, as insecurity escalates in parts of Jonglei and the Equatoria regions.On this edition of The Roundtable, we ask the tough questions: is this a genuine push for consensus or a delay tactic?Our Panellists joining Sani Martin are: Moro Isaac Jenesio – South Sudan National Movement for Change (SSNMC), Spokesperson South Sudan Opposition Alliance [SSOA] Edmund Yakani - Executive Director, Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation [CEPO]

This edition of Nationwide focuses on the newly adopted 2025 Naath (Nuer) Customary Law, aimed at codifying traditional justice in Greater Upper Nile. Legal experts, community representatives and UNMISS discuss how the law was developed through wide consultations across 16 counties, its alignment with national and international legal standards, and its role in reducing revenge killings, regulating dowries, protecting women’s rights and improving access to justice. The panel also addresses criticisms, implementation challenges and next steps for public awareness. Guests: Mr. Gatkuoth Riek Lam - Team Leader - Co-Founder/Acting Executive Director, Naath Institute Daniel Both Koang, Legal Expert - Jonglei State Koang Pal Reat, Legal Expert - Upper Nile State James Gatkoi Koang, Legal Expert - Unity State Douglass Hansen, Rule of Law Section, UNMISS

Marking the International Day of Education, this conversation brings together the Ministry of General Education and Instruction, a UNICEF Young Reporter and UNESCO to examine the state of education in South Sudan. The discussion focuses on the power of youth in shaping education systems, the challenges keeping 2.8 million children out of school, and the Back to Learning campaign. Guests highlight barriers such as poverty, conflict and climate shocks, while calling for renewed commitment to inclusive, quality education for all.Guests: Director General for Basic and Secondary Education at the Ministry of General Education and Instruction, David Lowela Lodu UNICEF Young Reporter, Anite Awadia Samuel UNESCO Communications Coordinator, Amanda Keane

This episode focuses on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) as South Sudan prepares to mark World NTD Day on 30 January. WHO experts explain what NTDs are, why South Sudan remains heavily affected, and how diseases like river blindness, trachoma and guinea worm impact livelihoods. The discussion highlights prevention through clean water, sanitation, mass drug administration and community ownership, while calling for stronger partnerships to eliminate NTDs and protect vulnerable communities. Guests: Dr Mutale Senkwe, Team Lead (Non-Communicable Diseases & Healthier Population) Dr Lasu Mustafa, WHO Malaria Technical Officer

This edition of Working Together focuses on saving lives through blood donation in South Sudan, highlighting the work of the Kajokeji Community Blood Donor Initiative (KCBDI). The programme explores why blood donation is critical for mothers, trauma patients and children with severe anaemia, how KCBDI mobilises communities, and the impact of its work. Guests also discuss myths around blood donation, challenges they face, and how the public can get involved to help save lives

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) says access restrictions in parts of Jonglei State have forced it to scale down medical services to life-saving care only in Lenkien and Pieri. MSF Operations Manager Gul Badshah warns that disrupted supply lines and referral delays put critically ill patients, including pregnant women, at risk of death or lifelong disability. MSF urges all parties to guarantee safe, unhindered humanitarian access to protect civilians amid escalating insecurity.

In this episode of the Miraya Breakfast Show, Bol Deng Bol, Chairperson of the Jonglei Civil Society Network, speaks on the worsening security situation in Jonglei State and the network’s call for an immediate end to hostilities. He describes ongoing displacement, fear among civilians, and the spread of violence across several counties, warning that continued fighting undermines the 2018 peace agreement. Bol Deng Bol urges all parties to observe an immediate ceasefire and return to dialogue, stressing that the conflict is political rather than ethnic, and appeals to communities and youth not to be drawn into violence but to support non-violent solutions as the only path to lasting peace.

On the Miraya Breakfast Show, host Juma Imanullah Sandi spoke with Edmond Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation (CEPO), about the launch of the South Sudan to South Sudan political party dialogue. The discussion focused on why the initiative is critical at a time of renewed violence, displacement, and stalled implementation of the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement. Yakani explained that the dialogue aims to bring signatory parties back to the table to de-escalate tensions, address political detentions, restore trust, and move the country away from military solutions toward consensus and peaceful elections. He also highlighted the role of women mediators and civil society in pushing for genuine dialogue and warned against spoilers who continue to undermine peace efforts.

This episode of the Radio Miraya Round Table, hosted by Yash Garang, discusses how persons with disabilities can be more fully included in South Sudan’s political transition and upcoming elections. Guests Mandela Isaac of Society Transformation for Equal Rights, Mawut Louis from the National Constitutional Review Commission, and Joko Sule examine why representation remains low despite existing legal protections. They highlight gaps in election and party laws, weak implementation, and social attitudes, and outline steps needed to improve inclusion in political parties, institutions, and elected positions.

This episode of Democracy in Action examines South Sudan’s path to the 2026 elections and the decision to use previously established geographic constituencies. The discussion explores what this means for representation and fairness, how it may affect the participation of women, youth, rural communities and minority groups, and what can be done to strengthen public trust and ensure credible and peaceful elections. Guests are Gabriel Bol Deng, Secretary General of the National Elections Commission, and Catherine Vitaliano, a programme officer with the South Sudan Democratic Engagement Monitoring and Observation Program. Tune in.

In this episode, Nationwide explores growing calls for South Sudan to localise the peace process as a path to lasting stability, with leaders urging a bottom-up approach that involves local communities and authorities to build trust and break cycles of revenge and marginalisation. The discussion features Merakaje Lorna, a civil society representative and Head of the Technical Secretariat of the Home Grown Initiative, and Hon. Malish Noel Scopas, Member of the State Transitional Legislative Assembly representing Mugwo Payam in Rei River County, Central Equatoria State.

The Miraya Breakfast Show explores the newly codified Naath customary law and its significance for rule of law in South Sudan. UNMISS Chief of Rule of Law, Anees Ahmed explains why putting customary law into writing matters, how it aligns with the Constitution and national legislation, and what it means for chiefs, communities and dispute resolution. The discussion highlights impacts on marriage, land, compensation and conflict reduction, the role of chiefs, community ownership, and whether the Naath law could serve as a model for other communities. Aired: 14 January 2026

This episode of the Miraya Breakfast Show focuses on electricity transmission and community benefits in Nimule and the wider Madi area. The Chairperson of the Madi Community, Engineer Joseph Gawa, discusses the Karuma - Juba transmission line, compensation for land, environmental concerns and local participation. He also highlights opportunities created by newly energised power lines, calls for fair community benefits, and urges investors and authorities to engage transparently with local communities.

In this extended interview, we speak with the outgoing Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander of UNISFA, Major General Robert Yaw Affram.The conversation comes at a critical moment for the Abyei area, following a deadly drone attack on UN peacekeepers in Kadugli, rising cross-border movements, seasonal migration pressures, and ongoing efforts to protect civilians and ease intercommunal tensions.Major General Affram reflects on security, humanitarian access, reconciliation between communities, and the future of UNISFA’s mandate as he prepares to conclude his mission.The interview was recorded by Radio Miraya journalist Sani Martin.

Guest: - Christian Bester, Country Director of Samaritan Purse

Guest:- Major General Pascal Lado, Director of Civil Defense for Central Equatoria State

Guest: - Dr. Sigrid Lamberg, MSF Head of Field Operations in South Sudan.

Guests: - Yayoi Segi-Vltchek, UNESCO Head of Office and Representative to South Sudan. - Ustaz Job Akuei, Director General for Certification, Verification and Authentication at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology.

In this episode, we sit down with one of South Sudan’s most distinguished academics, writers, and rights advocates, Professor Dr. Julia Aker Duany.Born in Rumbek County, Lakes State, and raised in a family of 52 children, Professor Aker’s path into public life has been shaped by resilience, education, and a lifelong commitment to justice.She once dreamed of becoming a medical doctor but ultimately found her calling as a teacher, a profession she has dedicated more than 50 years to, both in Sudan and in the United States. After fleeing during the civil war, she pursued her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate at Indiana University’s School of Education.Her work has centered on gender, equality, and social transformation. She has been a strong voice for increasing women’s participation in political leadership and has served her country in senior positions, including as the first female Vice-Chancellor of the Dr. John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology and as Undersecretary in the Ministry of Public Service.In this conversation, we trace her remarkable journey, from the classroom to national advocacy and explore how education can shape a more just and inclusive society.Take a listen.

Guests: - Simon Bingo, Juba Film Festival Director- Sarah Kindu, Actress, Festival Member

Guest: - Asar Mohammad, Head of Humanitarian Assistance and Operations at IOM

Guests: - Joseph Mung’atu, WHO - Amanya Jacob Kasio , Director for Research Ministry of Health

Guests:- Tito Mule Alex, Concerned Youth Leaders of South Sudan Group- James Adhal Kot, Concerned Youth Leaders of South Sudan Group- Alia Joyce Anthony, Concerned Youth Leaders of South Sudan Group

Guest: - Natacha Kunama, Peace and Community Cohesion Programme Advisor at UNDP

Guest: - Patricia Njoroge, Chief of Child Protection Department, UNMISS

Guests: - Stella Andi - David Isaac Adil

9th of December marks the International Anti-Corruption Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the damaging effects of corruption and promoting transparency and integrity. In this interview the Executive Director of Integrity South Sudan, Laute Satimon sharing insights on the anti-corruption efforts in South Sudan and what citizens can do to promote accountability. Guest: - Laute Satimon, Executive Director of Integrity South Sudan

Guests: - Nancy Ikedu, Program Manager, Action 54 - James Fandas, Human Rights Officer, UNMISS

Police officers serving in Terekeka, along with the prison officers stationed there, will receive training on SGBV from 8 to 11 December. The program is being developed through a collaboration between the UNMISS Rule of Law and Security Institutions Support Department, UNDP, the National Police Service, and the National Prison Service of South Sudan. Guest: - Salah Saleem Khamis, Brigadir, National Police Service

Guests: - Lisa, UNMAS Gender Focal Point – Gender integration, accountability, PSEAH.- Betty, Staff Member – Lived experience of working in a male-dominated sector.- Luka, Staff Member (Male Ally) – Role of supportive male colleagues.

South Sudan is now one year away from the planned December 2026 general elections — but growing doubts cloud the road ahead. Key obligations under the peace agreement, from security arrangements and electoral preparations to the permanent constitution-making process, remain largely stalled amid deepening political tensions. Analysts and civil society groups warn that moving toward elections without resolving these fundamental issues could heighten instability and undermine the credibility of the process. So, the critical question remains: Can South Sudan realistically hold free, fair and credible elections next year, and will the results be accepted locally and internationally? On the panel we have: · Richard Majur – SPLM Deputy Secretary for Political Affairs, Mobilization and Organization · Richard Omwony Valent Langoya – OPP Assistant Secretary · Dr. Riang Yar Zuor – SPLM-IO Chairperson, National Committee on Constitutional Affairs, Justice and Human Rights Listen in as we examine South Sudan’s readiness, and the challenges ahead, on the path to the 2026 elections.

Guest: - Luala James, Head of International Development Groups & Public Sector at Stanbic Bank South Sudan

Guests: - Serge Tshijuke Mudipanu, Anesthesiologist, UNMISS