Radio Miraya

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

Guest: - Mbela Mbonde Njumbe, UNV Civil Affairs Officer, UNMISS

Guest: - Mengyu Hao, UNV Information Management Officer, UNMISS

Guest: - Benjamin Azineh, UNV Human Rights Officer, UNMISS

Guest: - Juliette Francois-Blouin, UNV Human Rights Officer

Guest: - Mohammaed Nazrul, UNV Property Disposal Assistant, UNMISS

Guest: - Matiisetso Mosala - UNV Public Information Officer at UNMISS

Guests:- Eleanor Snaders, UK Ambassador for Human Rights and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nation.- Jackline Nasiwa, Human Rights Defender

Guests: - Dr Marial Cuir Khoc, Director General for Programmes in AIDS Commission - Victoria Natoni Daniel, Program Officer, National Empowerment of Positive Women United Organization - Laila Lole, Executive Director, South Sudan Network of People living with HIV

South Sudan joins the global community in marking World Soil Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the vital role soil plays in the country's food security, environment, and future. Here, where agriculture is the backbone of many livelihoods, healthy soil is more than just the ground beneath people's feet, it's the foundation of South Sudanese communities and their resilience.Dara Elisa, Agriculturalist highlights why protecting soils matters, what challenges they face, and the actions can be taken to safeguard this precious resource.Guest:- Dara Elisa, Agriculturist

Guest:- Hon Patrick Nyarsuk, CES Minister of Information and Communication - Charles Laku, Chairperson Custom market, Chamber of commerce

This episode of Nationwide explores the rising threat of digital violence against women and girls in South Sudan as part of the 16 Days of Activism. A panel of activists highlights how online spaces are increasingly used for harassment, body-shaming, intimidation, stalking, and even trafficking. Preliminary research by GoGirls ICT shows high vulnerability among young women aged 25–34, with harmful content spreading rapidly on platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook. Guests stress that cultural norms, policy gaps, weak data protection, and low digital literacy worsen the problem. They call for stronger legal frameworks, digital safety education, responsible online behaviour, and collective community action. In the studio, Gabriel Shadar is in conversation with: Dimba Shafic Taban, Secretary for County Affairs, Central Equatoria State Kurakuli Sette,Member of Power Space, Youth Led Organisation Mrs. Yine Yenki Nyika, Co-Founder GoGirls ICT Initiative Nyamal Kawai Lim, Member of Ma-Mara Sakit

Guests:- Dr. Micheal Mading, Director General for Reproductive Health- Dr. Paula Nuer, WHO

As the mobile court deploys in Yei, Central Equatoria State, UNMISS Rule of Law and Security Institutions Support Chief, Anees Ahmed says deployment fills a critical justice gap after years without functioning courts in Yei, Lainya and Morobo. The court will hear 46 serious cases, including SGBV and murder, with local partners providing support to vulnerable survivors. He notes that weak investigations, stigma and insecurity still hinder justice but says the court helps restore public confidence. Ahmed adds that mobile courts are temporary, with long-term justice hubs planned.

Guest: - Terna Ager, General Medical Practitioner at UNMISS

This episode of Democracy in Action explores the crucial but often overlooked role of women in mediation and conflict resolution in South Sudan. Guests who are members of the South Sudan Women Mediators, Florence Agiba and Sarah Poni discuss women’s unique strengths as peacebuilders, the cultural and structural barriers limiting their inclusion, and why enforcing the 35% affirmative action is critical. The conversation also examines how excluding women affects national stability and prospects for lasting peace.

Guest: - Engineer Mosety Kat, Manager of Juba International Airport.

Guests:• Choul Tut Gach, Peace mobilizer• Modi Joseph Robert, Peace mobilizer • Jacob Chol Atem, Peace mobilizer

A five-day consultative dialogue has opened in Juba, bringing together the parties who signed the 2018 peace agreement, alongside key stakeholders such as RJMEC, the African Union, faith-based leaders and UNMISS Political Affairs. This meeting comes at a time when implementation of the peace deal has slowed down. So how significant is this consultation? Can it address the real causes behind the delays and help revive the agreement? To unpack these questions, we are joined by: • Hon. Taban Luka, representing National Agenda, ITGONU • Kevina Aber, from the South Sudan Women Mediators Network • Michael Majure, SPLM Deputy Secretary for Political Affairs and Mobilization Listen in.

We focus on how Steward Women is expanding access to justice in Raja through free legal aid and community-based dispute resolution. Legal Aid Officer Alice Bogere explains the organisation’s services for survivors of gender-based and conflict-related violence, why lack of awareness remains a major barrier, and how mediation and arbitration are helping resolve minor disputes quickly where courts are overstretched. She also highlights rising GBV cases, the limits of statutory courts, and ongoing efforts to educate communities during the 16 Days of Activism.

Over three days, stakeholders met in Juba to address escalating violence, political mistrust, delayed implementation of the R-ARCSS, and shrinking civic space. The dialogue produced several recommendations: fully implement the peace agreement, convene an inclusive national political dialogue, revise the transitional roadmap, operationalise transitional justice bodies, unify forces, and guarantee women’s 35% participation. Stakeholders also urged protection of civic space, credible preparations for elections, and renewed political will. The Miraya Breakfast Show is in conversation with: Adut Christina, Executive Director of the South Sudan Women’s Empowerment Network Galdino Ochama, Chairperson of the South Sudan Civil Society Forum

As South Sudan prepares for a permanent constitution, the National Constitutional Review Commission has begun a nationwide campaign to educate citizens and gather their views. After completing its first round of consultations in four states, a second team has now been sent to Western Equatoria, Jonglei and Lakes State to continue hearing from the public.But how will these opinions shape the final document? Will the voices of ordinary citizens, especially those in remote communities, carry real influence, or will political elites dominate the process?In This episode of The Roundtable, we discuss whether public opinion truly matters in the constitution-making process and how citizen views will be incorporated into the final draft.Joining us on the panel are: Hon. Gatluak Pech Dak (Northern Bahr El Ghazal) Hon. John Abraham Nataana – Secretary General, National Constitutional Review Commission Hon. Abraham Gum (Western Bahr El Ghazal) Oyet Patrick – Head of Civic Education & Public Consultations Listen in.

This week's health informational segment in colaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) discusses the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) with Andrew Baguma from the World Health Organization. Baguma explains how misuse of antibiotics, self-medication, weak diagnostics, and poor regulation are driving AMR in South Sudan. He outlines this year’s global campaign, emphasising responsible antibiotic use, vaccination, hygiene, and stronger surveillance. Baguma also highlights WHO’s support to the government through training, laboratory strengthening, public awareness, and improving infection-prevention systems across the country.

A mobile court deployed in Bunj, Maban County has delivered verdicts on 28 serious criminal cases, including murder and sexual and gender-based violence. The court convicted 23 people, acquitted 12 and ordered the release of 22 who were wrongfully detained or had already served their sentences. With Upper Nile lacking a high court judge since 2021, we speak to Judge Mojahed Akol on what these outcomes mean for access to justice.

In this episode, we take a closer look at airport safety, passenger care and the growing opportunities within South Sudan’s aviation sector. Officials from the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority explain why protecting airport spaces, improving passenger experience and investing in aviation careers are key to safer skies and national development.Joining us in the studio are Mr. David Loputu, PR & Communications Manager, and Mr. Paul Bith, Deputy PR & Communications Manager at the SSCAA. They break down public safety around airport buffer zones, passenger service standards, handling of human remains, and training programs opening aviation jobs for South Sudanese.Listen in as we explore how securing our skies also serves the people of South Sudan.

We focus on South Sudan’s worsening air quality and rising heat levels as the country enters the peak of the dry season. The expert explains the causes, health impacts, and the practical steps communities can take to protect themselves. The conversation also highlights the role of authorities in enforcing environmental policies and improving public awareness. The Miraya Breakfast Show is in conversation with: Nyamach Hoth Mai, Environmental Specialist