Radio Miraya

South Sudan joins the global community in recognising World Hepatitis Day. The country is classified among those with a high burden of both Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. How is South Sudan addressing the challenges posed by these diseases? The Miraya Breakfast Show speaks with: Dr Moses Nutebi Nganda, Medical Officer at the World Health Organization (HIV and Hepatitis) Dr Agai Kherbino Akec, Director at the Ministery of Health (HIV and Hepatitis) Mr Anthony Matiok, Director at Friends of Humanity

On this episode of our Health Update Series in collaboration with the World Health Organization, we focus on the increasing risk and historical trends of flooding in Upper Nile, highlighting its impact on population displacement, public health, and health service delivery. Director General in the State Ministry of Health, Dr. Isaac Kwongo Ogilo and World Health Health Organisation's State Coordinator, Dr Emmanuel Timothy Thwol speak on the health response that includes preparedness planning, logistics, workforce mobilisation, disease surveillance, and infection prevention. They detail the coordination among the State Ministry of Health, WHO, and partners through health cluster mechanisms, focusing on continuity of care, infrastructure resilience, community engagement, and support for vulnerable groups.

Guests: - Godfrey Victor Bulla, Executive Director of the Justice and Human Rights Observatory - Madut Majok Ngor, Independent Policy Analyst - Dr Geri Raimondo, Professor of Law at the University of Juba

Guest:- Maj. General Elia Kosta Faustino, Director General of the Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passport, and Immigration

Guests: - Hon. Dr. John Ogoto Kaniso Lefuk, Undersecretary for Food Security, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security - Abuni Joseph, Program Policy Officer, Food System & Resilience, World Food Program

Reporter: Henri Lokuri

Guest:Advocate Godfrey Victor Bulla, Head of the Justice and Human Rights Observatory.

Guest: - Dr Augustino Ting Mayai, Director General of the National Bureau of Statistics.

A General Court Martial, supported by United Nations Mission in South Sudan, has concluded in Wau, Western Bahr-el-Ghazal, resulting in the conviction of several army officers for serious misconduct.Spearheaded by the Military Justice Directorate, the process is part of ongoing efforts to enforce discipline within the army and restore public confidence in the uniformed services.Can these trials improve relations between civilians and the South Sudan People's Defence Forces? In the long run, will they instil lasting discipline and professionalism in the ranks?This week’s Roundtable dives into these issues, as Sani Martin hosts guests directly involved in the process to unpack what it means for justice, reform, and accountability. In this panel Sani hosts: Brigadier Deng Mabior, SSPDF Military Justice Director Jane Lukudu Jambio, Judge Advocate Luisa Wilson, Victims' Counsel at the Wau GCM Jackline Nasiwa, civil society activist

Guests: Adut Christina Salva, Executive Director of South Sudan Women Empowerment Network and Deputy Chair of South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network Mwiinga Cheelo, Gender Affairs Officer, UNMISS

Guests:- Rose Obede, Director General of State Ministry of Health - Dr John Lagu Nyugura, World Health Organisation’s field coordinator in Western Equatoria State.

Guests:- Pulo Albino Alfonso - Programme Coordinator at Salam Junub- Deborah Yar Juma - Salam Junub- Andrew Maduk - Representative from Mayo Company

International Nelson Mandela Day, observed annually on 18 July, honours the legacy of the late South African leader and his lifelong commitment to peace, justice, and reconciliation. In South Sudan, the day holds particular relevance as the country continues its journey toward stability and nation-building. Mandela’s values of unity, resilience, and dialogue resonate strongly with the challenges and aspirations of South Sudanese communities. This year, local organisations and youth groups are marking the occasion through community service, civic engagement, and peace awareness activities. Guests: Advocate Mahlodi Sam Muofhe, South African Ambassador to South Sudan; Ms. Donnah Midigo, Hash Harriers, co-organizers of the Mandela Day Walk and Run 2025.

The coexistence of people and wildlife is a delicate balance that remains difficult to achieve. In many cases, communities settle and farm along wildlife corridors, viewing the movement of animals as a threat rather than a natural pattern. In South Sudan, elephants are at the centre of this growing tension. Colonel Charles Loku, Director of Media and Spokesperson in the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism, outlines practical ways communities can protect their crops without harming elephants. He says reducing human-wildlife conflict is essential to conservation efforts, which are often undermined by these encounters.

Human rights activist Victor Bulla says the recent deportation of seven foreign nationals from the United States to South Sudan violates international humanitarian law. The group, which included individuals from Vietnam, Cuba, Laos, and Mexico, reportedly did not consent to being sent to South Sudan. Bulla warns that the deportees will struggle to integrate due to language and cultural barriers. While he acknowledges the government’s right to enter bilateral agreements, he says doing so at the expense of third-country nationals undermines international standards South Sudan has committed to uphold.

Guest: - Julu Louis Kenyi Joseph, WHO Field Coordinator in Central Equatoria

Guests: - Stephen Chol Aleu, WHO Field Coordinator- Dr. Joseph Lasu, Director for Emergency Preparedness and Response from the Ministry of Health

Guests: - Dombola Gift Anna, Case Management Officer at the World Health Organization

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is intensifying efforts to ease tensions in Panyijar County, Unity State, amid rising instability along the border with Lakes State. Ongoing cattle raids and communal clashes have displaced hundreds of people in the area.A UNMISS delegation recently visited Panyijar, where they met with local officials and encouraged dialogue as a path to peaceful coexistence.Radio Miraya’s Jacob Moyo caught up with Hiroko Hirahara, Director of the UNMISS Civil Affairs Division, who outlined the mission’s continued support for local peacebuilding and community engagement in the region.

Fourteen years after independence, South Sudan’s journey of nation building remains fraught with deep-rooted challenges, from inter-communal violence and identity politics to economic hardship and social fragmentation. In this episode, Garang Yach James speaks with independent policy analyst Madut Majok Ngor about the pressing need for national unity and what it will take to build a shared South Sudanese identity.

In this episode, we mark National Girls’ Education Day, a day first declared on July 7, 2004, by the late Dr. John Garang de Mabior, who lit a symbolic candle with a powerful message: “Let’s keep the candle burning for girls’ education.”Twenty-one years later, that flame still burns, reminding us of the progress made, the barriers still faced, and the collective responsibility to ensure every girl in South Sudan has access to quality education.In this conversation, we reflect on that journey and look ahead, with guests Sandra Baldwin from the British Embassy, Akuja de Garang of GESS, and learner Marsha Justine from Juba Day Secondary School.

As South Sudan continues to grapple with sexual and gender-based violence, which remains one of the most pressing scourges in society, legal scholar Dr Akuch Kuol emphasises the need for comprehensive interventions that go beyond legal reforms.She points out that the concept of consent remains a significant grey area, often enabling the continued perpetration of violence against women and girls. Drawing on her research, Dr Kuol highlights the importance of strengthening the legal and policy frameworks, enforcing existing laws, and transforming cultural and customary norms. She stresses that such transformation must be approached with nuance, reflecting the complex realities of South Sudanese family dynamics.Dr Akuch Kuol shares these insights in conversation with Radio Miraya’s Lucas de Gumwel.

South Sudan’s Judiciary has launched its first-ever five-year strategic plan (2025–2029), setting out eight key goals to make the legal system more accessible, inclusive, and responsive to public needs. The plan prioritises expanding judicial infrastructure, increasing the number of judges and support staff, and addressing challenges such as language barriers and limited access to courts in remote areas. Developed through stakeholder consultations and supported by partners including the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the strategy has been described by judicial officials as a long-overdue step toward strengthening the rule of law.The question now is whether this plan can effectively address long-standing issues such as judicial weakness, lack of independence, and low public trust.Radio Miraya's Sani Martin is in conversation with: Justice Stephen Simon, President of the Court of Appeal for Greater Equatoria Justice Kulang Jeroboam Macuor President of the Court of Appeal for Greater Upper Nile Advocate Stephen Wani, Deputy Secretary General of the South Sudan Bar Association; and Ms. Caroline Byakutaga Kabugho, a judge from Uganda affiliated with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan

In Uror County, Jonglei State, 43 of the 106 schools operate without buildings, holding classes under trees. Seasonal floods and ongoing insecurity, including child abductions and cattle raids, regularly disrupt learning and endanger students. Of the over 800 teachers serving the county, only 270 receive government salaries, while 552 work as unpaid volunteers. Local authorities are urgently appealing for support to provide safe classrooms, clean water, security, and fair compensation for teachers. Radio Miraya's Mach Samuel reports from a local school.

South Sudan, one of the world’s most mine-affected countries, has formally requested an extension under the Mine Ban Treaty to clear all anti-personnel mines by June 2030. Originally expected to complete clearance by 2021, the country now seeks a second extension due to ongoing conflict, access challenges, and limited funding. Presented through the “Individualised Approach” during the 19th Meeting of States Parties, this highlights the urgent need for targeted technical and financial support. UNMAS is working closely with the National Mine Action Authority to support this goal. Radio Miraya talks to Jurkuch Barach Jurkuch, Chairperson of the National Mine Action Authority and William Maina, Deputy Chief of Operations at UNMAS South Sudan.

On World Refugee Day, UNHCR Deputy Representative Ulf Joel Andersson joins Radio Miraya to reflect on South Sudan’s growing role as both a host and returnee destination amid ongoing regional crises. He notes that multitudes of people have entered South Sudan since the Sudan conflict began, including refugees and returnees. Andersson commends the solidarity shown by the South Sudanese people and government in opening their borders, despite facing their own economic hardships. He emphasises the need for sustained international support, warning that global funding cuts are threatening essential services. UNHCR’s efforts now focus on long-term solutions, including integrated settlements like Wedweil, where refugees and host communities share services and land. Andersson is in conversation with the Miraya Breakfast Show's Moyo Jacob.

On World Refugee Day, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) highlighted the growing strain on South Sudan’s humanitarian response as thousands of refugees continue to flee conflict in Sudan. With more than 570,000 refugees now hosted in South Sudan, IRC officials say limited resources are overstretched, affecting both displaced populations and vulnerable host communities. The organisation is expanding operations to new border areas, offering health services, maternal care, and protection for women and girls. IRC also provides livelihood support to help refugees rebuild their lives, such as vocational training for women like Amal, a Sudanese refugee who started a tailoring business. Amid rising tensions over scarce resources, IRC is urging greater support to promote peaceful coexistence and ensure essential services reach those in need. The Miraya Breakfast Show's Moyo Jacob is in conversation with: Richard Orengo, IRC Country Director Mathew Kelion, IRC Deputy Health Coordinator Safina Auma, IRC Women Protection & Empowerment Programme

The United Kingdom’s Special Envoy to Sudan and South Sudan, Clare Staunton, has reaffirmed that the peace agreement remains the only viable framework for achieving lasting peace in South Sudan. She emphasized the need for all parties to demonstrate full commitment to its implementation. Staunton also called for either the release or fair trial of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar before a competent court. During her visit to South Sudan, the envoy is scheduled to hold meetings with government officials, members of the diplomatic community, and civil society representatives.

South Sudan currently has no legal clear framework to tackle cybercrime ranging from computer fraud and financial scams to hate speech and online bullying.As the country moves toward elections in December 2026, a proposed national cybercrimes law is raising important questions. While the Bill aims to address rising digital threats, some fear it could shrink civic and political space at a critical time.Protecting citizens or policing speech? Can South Sudan strike the right balance between safeguarding freedoms and preventing online harm? Sani Martin is in conversation with: Hon. Napoleon Adok, former DG of National Communications Authority Wani Steven, Deputy Secretary General South Sudan Bar Association and IT Law expert Jackline Nasiwa, Founder and Executive Director of the Centre for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice

Ms Jackline Nasiwa, Ms Josephine Oyella, Ms Sheila B. Keetharuth and Mr Albert Zingorani shine more light on the UN Action Project which, through a survivor-centered approach, have provided integrated legal, medical, psycho-social, and economic empowerment services to 200 survivors and their families in Bentiu, Bor, Juba and Yambio.

South Sudan is home to six national parks and 13 game reserves, along with vast natural resources outside these protected areas. The sustainable management and use of these resources depend on forward-looking policies that are effectively implemented to conserve the country’s rich biodiversity. In this episode of Democracy in Action, Radio Miraya’s Sani Martin explores ongoing efforts to protect biodiversity with Ruai Hoth Gony, Executive Director of the Agency for Conservation and Development, and Becu Thomas Alex, National Programmes Officer at UNESCO.

Deputy Chairperson of South Sudan’s High-Level Ad Hoc Committee on the Implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement, Lasuba Loduru Wongo, outlines the mandate of the newly formed body.In an exclusive interview with Radio Miraya's Moyo Jacob Felix, Wongo says the ad hoc committee does not duplicate the roles of existing institutions such as the National Transitional Committee. He emphasizes that the committee is not tasked with overseeing the country’s critical security sector reforms, a responsibility handled by other mechanisms. But with such limitations, how effective can the committee be in fulfilling its role? His party the SPLM-IO is embroiled in disputes that have caused fractures and factions, how then does he justify his appointment as deputy chairperson of this body? Aired: 12 June 2025

Guest: - Ashjan Paulino, Acting Director General for Technical Operations, National Bureau of Standard

Guests: - Emmanuel Kuku, Secretary for Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management. - Viola Romano, Gender Officer from the Ministry of General Education and Instruction. - David Sanya, Reproductive Health Officer from the Ministry of Health.

Guests: - James Magok Chilim, Managing Director of SSBC - Patrick Oyet, Chairperson of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan- Moulana Atong Majok, Advocate and Media Advisor to the South Sudan Media Authority- Koang Pal, Managing Director of Eye Radio

Guest: - Hon Jacob Aligo Lo Ladu, Minister for Peacebuilding in Central Equatoria.

The Ireland Fellows Programme offers South Sudanese graduates the chance to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in Ireland. It focuses on fields aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. The programme aims to build future public leaders by equipping them with global knowledge and skills. In this conversation with Consul and Second Secretary of Ireland to Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Djibouti, Stephen Frain, we learn how the fellowship is opening doors for young professionals from South Sudan.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) performed over 1,000 surgeries on weapon-wounded patients between March and May 2025 in Akobo and Juba, underscoring the urgent medical needs driven by ongoing violence in South Sudan. In this conversation, ICRC Head of Operations Daniel Bunnskog and Deputy Health Coordinator Rose Ochieng discuss the complexities of responding to growing humanitarian needs amid cycles of conflict. They also reflect on how the spillover effects of the war in Sudan are placing additional strain on South Sudan. The ICRC says it continues to engage with all parties to the conflict to promote adherence to international humanitarian law.

Guests: - Dr. Barnaba Korena, Vision Centre for Legal Studies - Advocate Lwar Nyok, Democratic Advocates Group

Guests: - Thomas Tako Akim Ujjiga, World Health Organisation’s Field Coordinator.- George Yugu , Social Behavior Change Officer, Ministry of Health

Guest: - Patrick Oyet, President Union of Journalists

Guests: - Opio Moses Korsuk, Executive Director of South Sudanese Community Based Organization. - Lony Ruot, Executive Director of Standard Action Liaison Force

President of the Internet Society South Sudan Chapter, Joseph Abuni Gama, and Chairperson of the South Sudan Internet Governance Forum, Unguec Stephen are in conversation with the Miraya Breakfast Show on the just ended Internet Governance Forum.

In this interview, UNMAS Chief Zehrudin Sukanovic talks about how the United Nations Mine Action Service has cleared over 1.3 million unexploded ordnances in South Sudan since 2004, an achievement he equates to saving countless lives. He discusses the ongoing efforts of twelve mine action teams working along high-risk roads to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers, peacekeepers, and civilians. Zukanovic also emphasises the importance of public vigilance and reporting suspected explosives to prevent further harm.

Guests: - Professor Abednego Akok Kachuol – Chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC)- Hon. Riang Yer Zuor – Chairperson of the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC)

Guest:- Dr. Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Country Representative

Guests:- Ayub Gloria, Risk Communication and Community Engagement Officer in WHO - Steven Bojjo, Social Behavior Change Officer in Ministry of Health.

Guests: - Oyella Josephine, Sexual and Reproductive Health and GBV Project officer in Amref Health Africa in South Sudan.- Emmanuela Samuel, Fistula survivor.- Christine Charlo, Fistula survivor.