Radio Miraya

A new national study by Save the Children and government ministries reveals that nearly two-thirds of South Sudanese children aged 5 to 17 are engaged in the worst forms of child labour, from mining and cattle herding to street vending and conflict-related activities. The report highlights poverty, conflict, and lack of access to education as major drivers. Radio Miraya speaks with Save the Children Country Director Chris Nyamandi and Child Rights Specialist Mabior Michael on the findings, implications, and actions needed to protect children’s rights.

South Sudan is navigating a pivotal transition from conflict toward democracy. Under the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and the roadmap, the current phase is slated to conclude by February 2027, a window for meaningful participation in constitution-making, security sector reform, and elections. Women, who make up more than half the population, must be at the center of these processes. Yet across institutions, including the legal profession, women remain under-represented, constrained by structural inequalities, social norms, and institutional barriers.This episode asks: What will it take to secure impactful women’s participation in South Sudan’s political transition, beyond quotas and statements, to real power, protection, and accountability? Our guests bring legal expertise anchored in community realities, with insights on practical reforms that can move the dial on inclusion, transparency, and democratic practice.Guests: Susan Poni Victor — Executive Director, Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) South Sudan Marly Leone — Member, Women Advocates Association of South Sudan Dier Benen — Advocate, FIDA South Sudan and private practice

As the United Nations marks 80 years, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (DSRSG) in South Sudan, Anita Kiki Gbeho reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting peace, food security, and humanitarian work in South Sudan. Speaking to Radio Miraya, she said the country faces multiple challenges including conflict, flooding, cholera, and the impact of the war in Sudan. With 7.7 million people food insecure, she urged citizens to engage in dialogue and community peacebuilding, stressing that unity and understanding are key to keeping South Sudan on the path to peace.

The Girls’ Education South Sudan (GESS) programme has begun its 2025 cash transfers to help girls and learners with disabilities stay in school. Supported by the UK government and the Ministry of General Education, the initiative provides direct payments to improve attendance and reduce dropout rates. Officials say the programme has tripled girls’ enrolment since 2014 and continues to promote equality, inclusion, and lifelong opportunities in South Sudan. The Miraya Breakfast show is in conversation with: Jesse Onion, Senior Programme Manager for Essential Services, British Embassy in Juba Tawanda Madhangi, Deputy Team Leader, Girls’ Education South Sudan (GESS) Programme

Guest: - Stefano Wieu Malek - Chief Administrator of the Ruweng Administrative Area

Guests: 1. Sarah Nyibak Chaat – Communications Officer, UN Women. 2. Dr Jurugu Roberts – Program Specialist, Youth and HIV, UNFPA. 3. Aida Khamis Woja, Communication Officer, UNOPS.

Guests: 1. David Ashley, UK Ambassador 2. Mary-Ellen McGroarty, WFP Country Representative 3. Annet Yobu, Eve Representative

Guests: - Dr. Malakal Dual Gar, Political Analyst, Author, Researcher, and Senior Lecturer at the University of Juba.

In the World Food Day special interview, FAO Deputy Country Representative Felix Dzvurumi discusses this year’s World Food Day theme, “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future.”He highlights the urgent need for collective action to tackle food insecurity in South Sudan, where a substantial part of the population faces hunger. Dzvurumi explains the Food and Agricultural Organization’s work with government and partners to promote climate-resilient farming, improve food production, and support communities to become self-reliant. He also calls for peace, youth engagement, and stronger investment in agriculture to build a food-secure future for South Sudan.

On Seasons, we hosted an important conversation on biodiversity and conservation in South Sudan with the EU Ambassador to South Sudan, Pella Enarsson, and Dazangapai Donas Kumborani from the South Sudanese Youth Biodiversity Network. They spoke passionately about why protecting our environment is essential to South Sudan’s future, from creating jobs and tourism opportunities to ensuring communities thrive alongside wildlife and natural resources. Together, they called for stronger partnerships, environmental laws, and greater youth involvement to safeguard South Sudan’s biodiversity for generations to come.

Guest:- Hon Lily Alino Akol, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security

The Miraya Breakfast Show focuses on two of the most vital pillars shaping South Sudan’s development, that is, health and education. The discussion explores the United Nations’ role in strengthening South Sudan’s health and education systems, the partnerships driving these efforts, and how the UN ensures that vulnerable groups, including women, children, refugees, and persons with disabilities are not left behind.Joining the conversation are Ms. Yodit Tesfa-Ghebriel, Education Manager at UNICEF, and Ms. Sheila Baya, Public Health Officer with the World Health Organization (WHO). Together, they share insights into how their agencies are working alongside the government and local partners to build a healthier, better-educated, and more resilient nation.

Guest: - Adam Masco Joseph, Human Rights and Advocacy Officer at Hold the Child.

Guest:Hon. Gloria Nyoka Joseph Lasu, the Executive Director of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards

Guest: - Nelson Kwaje - Digital Rights Advocate and Chairperson; Digital Rights Frontlines.- Denaya Dennis - Koneta Hub

Guest: - Susan Poni Victor, Advocate and Executive Director of Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA)

As the United Nations marks 80 years of promoting peace, development, and human rights, its work in South Sudan remains as crucial as ever. From peacekeeping and governance support to empowering communities and tackling food insecurity, the UN continues to stand alongside South Sudan on its path toward lasting peace and stability. On this episode of the Roundtable, we reflect on the UN’s legacy and its partnership with South Sudan. Yach Garang James is in conversation with: Hiroko Hirahara - Civil Affairs Director, United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Sheila Ngatia - Acting Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Farah Ismail - Peacebuilding Officer, International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Guests: 1. Rashu Elizabeth - A Representative from Plan International 2. Angelina Kolde - Plan International 3. Anjoa Fiona - Plan International4. Peace Abulu - Education Advisor, British Embassy

Health experts estimate that one in five people in South Sudan experiences a mental health condition, a situation worsened by ongoing conflict and displacement.As the country marks World Mental Health Day, the Ministry of Health says the gap in mental health services remains vast, with rising cases across communities.Dr. Atong Akol, Director of Mental Health at the Ministry, says South Sudan currently has only three psychiatrists and around 30 psychologists nationwide. She adds that the ministry is developing a national roadmap to tackle mental health challenges, including stigma and the long-term effects of trauma. In conversation with the Miraya Breakfast Show are: Dr. Along Akol - Director of Mental Health Department at the Ministry of Health Dr. Moses Mutebi -Team Lead at World Health Organization Mr. Gustave Vanda – Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Officer at the International Organization for Migration

Ahead of the UN’s 80th anniversary, we’re shining a spotlight on the organisation’s work in South Sudan. Agriculture remains the backbone of livelihoods for many South Sudanese, yet food insecurity continues to be part of the major humanitarian emergencies in the country. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says local farmers have produced just over one million metric tonnes of food from limited cultivation, a sign of growing potential for food self-sufficiency in South Sudan. To improve agricultural productivity, another UN agency has been instrumental in clearing landmines that have contaminated farmland during years of conflict. The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has been reclaiming land and reopening roads, providing a vital lifeline for economic activity and humanitarian work.Joining us on Radio Miraya’s Nationwide programme are Meshack Malo, Country Representative of FAO in South Sudan, and Zehrudin Sukanovic, Chief of UNMAS South Sudan.

A National Faith and Peace Conference has just concluded in Juba, bringing together religious leaders from across South Sudan. The forum addressed the country’s ongoing challenges, especially violence that continues to claim lives and fracture communities. Faith leaders are calling for renewed dialogue, reconciliation, and healing at both community and national levels. Secretary General of the South Sudan Islamic Council, Dr. Abdallah Baraj joins the Miraya Breakfast Show.

The international medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is warning that worsening insecurity in South Sudan could lead to rising deaths, mass suffering, and fresh disease outbreaks. MSF Head Zakaria Mwatia says violence, displacement, and flooding have cut off many regions, making it nearly impossible for aid workers to deliver lifesaving services.

Rights activist, Bol Deng Bol, Executive Director of INTREPID South Sudan, is urging both the government and armed civilians to adopt peaceful ways of addressing grievances. He warns that the ongoing violence only worsens the suffering of communities and says the country risks sliding backwards, as key security arrangements in the peace deal remain stalled. Bol is also appealing to peace guarantors to step up diplomatic pressure and support to revive implementation of the peace agreement, strengthen dialogue, and move preparations for elections forward.

Rabies remains one of the deadliest yet most preventable diseases, claiming thousands of lives each year, especially children bitten by unvaccinated dogs. We explore what global prevention efforts mean for South Sudan. This episode marks World Rabies Day under the theme “Act Now: You, Me, Community.” Our guest is Dr. Deng Alier Kuol, who helps us understand the risks, challenges, and solutions in tackling rabies locally.

The Right2Grow consortium has concluded its programme in South Sudan after four years of implementation. The initiative, which began in 2021, focused on integrating water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) with nutrition to tackle the impact of poor WASH services on child malnutrition. Speaking in Juba at the official closure, consortium partners highlighted how the project targeted vulnerable children by linking access to clean water and sanitation with improved nutrition outcomes.Guests in this discussion include Joyce Akandu Ayume, Right2Grow Consortium Manager in South Sudan with Save the Children; Samuel Chor Alier, National Coordinator of the Child Rights Civil Society Coalition; and Laurence Caron, Right2Grow Programme Manager at Save the Children Netherlands.

Guests:1. Gladys Jambi- Associate Gender Affairs-UNMISS2. Asunta Paul, Terekeka Women Representative.3. Grace Kani- Central Equatoria Kuda Women Representative.

Guest: - James Bidal, Head of the Secretariat of the South Sudan Human Rights Defenders.

Guests: - H.E. Louis Lobong Lojore, Governor, Eastern Equatoria State.

Guests: - Dr. Christopher Paul Madut, Director General of the WBeG State Ministry of Health. - Dr. Stanslaus Barnaba Majok, WHO Field Coordinator

Guest: Dr. Achai Deng, WHO Field Coordinator in the Lakes State.

Guests:- Dr. Najouk Kulang from the National Ministry of Livestock & Fisheries.- Dr. David Martin from the Central Equatoria State Ministry.- Dr. Richard Sebit from VSF Suisse.

Guest: - Florington Aseervatham, Country Representative of African Parks Organization.

Guest: - Dr. Adamu Sule, Global Polio Eradication Initiative Coordinator with IQVA- Joshua Brown Afatio, National Polio Officer with WHO

Guests: - Emmanuel Kenyi - Pharmacist - Jeben James - Pharmacist

Guests: 1. Dr Benjamin Machar Angok- Representing Academia2. Sarah Nyanath Elijah - Representing CSO

Guests: 1. Jacob Werchum, GPAA Minister of Information2. David Ngiro Yangkon, GPAA Relief and Rehabilitation Chairperson3. Ballack Wilson, GPAA Youth Union Chairperson

Guest: Darren Scott, Principal Electoral Affairs Officer, UNMISS

Guests: - Moses Monday, the Executive Director of the Organization for Nonviolence and Development, ONAD

Guests: 1. Elia John Ahajji, State Minister of Information and Communication & Acting Minister of Peacebuilding in EES2. Auxilio Rimondo, director general for the ministry of peacebuilding and the Chairperson of the Organizing Committee for the International Peace Day in EES

Guests: - Simon Mborimbuko, Program Director, Youth Link- Alinda Brenda, Program Coordinator, Justice for the Girls (J4TG)

Guests: - Odol Ocay Anyaljock, Medical Chain Specialist and Chairperson of the organizing committee for World Pharmacists Day.- Martin Makuek Chiman, Secretary General of the Pharmaceutical Society of South Sudan.

Guest:- Dr. Peter Tadaros, Obstetrician and Gynecologist

Guests: - Aketch Deng, the Fistula Coordinator at Juba Teaching Hospital- Manuela Modong, Project Manager at Amref South Sudan

Guest: - Jackline Nasiwa, the Executive Director of the Center for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice.

Guests:1. Claudia Sayago - UNMISS Rule of Law Office2. Anna Manemo – CSO Representive 3. Hon. Paul Chabiet - Minister of Information Lakes State

Guest: - Abraham Kuol, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Juba.

Guests:1. Hon. John Natana – Secretary General of the NCRC 2. Hon Patrick Oyet – Head of Civic Education and Public Consultations Committee.

The South Sudanese community in Australia are mourning two boys, aged 12 and 15, who were fatally stabbed on the streets of Melbourne on Saturday by a group of eight masked individuals. Police suspect the attack was gang-related but stressed the boys were unlikely to have been involved, given their age and clean records. Lawyer and community leader Maker Mayek says the community is shocked and is now looking at ways to better protect young people. He begins by explaining what happened on Saturday night.

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, a day that unites the world in raising awareness, breaking the silence around mental health, and reminding us that every single life is precious.Here in South Sudan, suicide cases are still being reported across different communities, making this observance not just symbolic but urgent. It’s a chance for us to reflect and to ask: Why is this day so important? What are the root causes of suicide? And most importantly, what steps can we take, as families, communities, and a nation, to prevent it?To help us explore these critical questions, we’re joined in the studio by two guests from the South Sudan Mental Health Society, Rose Yobu Marle and Benoni Mawa Charles.

In this episode, we turn to Kuda, where a landmark dialogue has just concluded between cattle herders and farmers from Central Equatoria’s Juba and Terekeka Counties.For years, tensions over cattle migration have fueled disputes, leading to loss of lives, destruction of farms, and the displacement of communities. The Kuda conference brought together local leaders, government officials, and peace partners to chart a new way forward, one that prioritizes peaceful coexistence, respect for livelihoods, and sustainable land use.The gathering ended with a series of resolutions aimed at easing tensions and preventing further clashes between cattle keepers and farmers.Joining us to unpack these resolutions and their significance are: 1️⃣ Hon. Jacob Aligo Lo Lado — Minister of Local Government, Central Equatoria 2️⃣ Victor Fasama — Head of the UNMISS Field Office in Juba