Radio Miraya

Guest:- Edmund Yakani - Executive Director, CEPO

Guests: - Lemi Peter Abdallah – Director, Air Navigation Services, South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority.- David Laputu Paulino – Public Relations & Communication Manager, South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is responding to a worsening humanitarian crisis in Upper Nile and Unity states, where conflict and flooding have displaced thousands. Nearly 250,000 people need urgent help, but limited resources mean only 50,000 can currently be reached. Services include health care, nutrition, protection, and cash assistance, delivered in partnership with local organisations. Information from early warning systems is guiding response efforts, but funding shortages threaten to slow progress. IRC's Deputy Director of Programmes Cosmas Ayella is in conversation with Radio Miraya giving insights on the immediate needs of the people who need life saving aid in South Sudan's worst affected regions.

South Sudan is debating whether its universities should keep names inherited from the past or adopt titles that reflect local identity. Scholars like Dr Augustino Ting Mayai say many names were imposed and fail to connect with communities. Former minister Peter Adwok Nyaba recalls that some institutions were announced for political gain rather than careful planning. Examples like the Dr John Garang Memorial University show how naming can honour national figures. Advocates argue renaming must go hand-in-hand with improving quality, so universities mirror both the pride and aspirations of the people they serve. In this feature, Radio Miraya's Moyo Jacob Felix brings the voices that reflect on this identity debate in South Sudan's journey of becoming.

Guests: 1. Hon Isaac Sumo, Deputy Chair of the specialized Committee for Legislation, Council of States. 2. Mr Malony Akau Nai, Director General of Administration and Finance. 3. Adv Peter Garang Geng, Lecturer at the School of Law University of Juba. 4. Mr Light Wilson Aganwa, Director General of Governance, Ministry of Federal Affairs.

South Sudan is introducing the second dose of the measles-containing vaccine (MCV2) into its national immunisation schedule, aiming to close gaps in coverage and curb repeated outbreaks. At the same time, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, Gavi and others, is expanding the rollout of the malaria vaccine to 52 more counties. Health officials say the combined effort marks a major step in protecting children from two of the country’s deadliest yet preventable diseases.Radio Miraya is in conversation with: Dr. Lasu Mustafa, WHO Malaria Technical OfficerMr. Melesachew Ferede, WHO EPI Officer

Guest:- Malek Ayom - Political Commentator - Joseph Mawa, Executive Director, Nile Family Foundation

Guest: Dr Albino Amum - Assistant Professor and Consultant in Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Upper Nile University

Guests:- PA Mikko Lampila, SGBV SPT- Estella Killei Santino, State Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare

Guests:- Alana Sebit Owot, President of the Inclusive Agriculture in South Sudan.

South Sudan joins the global community in commemorating the start of World Breastfeeding Week, echoing the World Health Organization’s call for collective responsibility in supporting breastfeeding mothers. In a country where maternal and child health remains a significant challenge, breastfeeding is a lifeline. In this episode, Gloria Ayub, Risk Communication and Community Engagement officer at WHO shares vital insights into the kind of support mothers in South Sudan need to give their children the best start in life.

Guest: - Dr Kinawo Richard, State Director for Presentative and Primary Health Care Ministry of Health.- Peter Siro, Minister of Health in the Azande Kingdom.

Guests:- Adv. Lusia Ocham, Organization for Justice for Women and Human Rights Member. - Adv. Rita Isaac Kenyi, Organization for Justice for Women and Human Rights Member.

Guest: - Emmanuel Moju, Clinical Psychologist, Project Manager MHPSS

Guests: - Hon. Achuil Malith Banggol – Independent Researcher and Advocate on Traditional Leadership in South Sudan- Paramount Chief Magdolinel Ihisa Tito from Torit.- Agook Riak – Political Affairs Officer, UNMISS.

Guest:- Juan Fernando Pineda Arboleda, Co-Coordinator for the Mine Action Area of Responsibility with the Mines Advisory Group.- Onzima Florence William, a frontline Deminer with the Danish Refugee Council.- Lily Ossa Lino Anderia, Deminer, representing Safe Lane Global.

South Sudan is observing Martyrs Day, a solemn national occasion to honour the heroes and heroines who gave their lives in the long struggle for independence.The day serves as a powerful reminder of the estimated two million lives lost during the 21-year civil war, as well as the immense sacrifices made by families across the country in pursuit of freedom and self-determination. Special tribute is paid to the late Dr John Garang de Mabior, the founding leader of the liberation movement, whose vision of a united, prosperous South Sudan continues to guide the nation. Radio Miraya's Stephen Ninrew Chany speaks to ordinary people and those in power, bringing out their reflections on the broader vision for the world's youngest nation.

Guests: - Francis Wani Lausu, National Taskforce Secretariat- Elizabeth Daniel Lubanga, representing CEPO and also a Taskforce Member

Guests:- William Sababah Daniel, Acting Fistula Coordinator and Registered Nurse- Amal Hellen Lam, a Fistula Mobilizer and also a Registered Nurse

Guest: - Jane Lonyero Kony, Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan Field Office in Western Equatoria State.

Guests: - Faskulina Ayang, County Court Judge for Gender Based Violence and Juvenile - Josephine Drama, Executive Director of Global Voices Organization- George Ochang, Legal Advisor in Ministry of Gender Child and Social Welfare, Central Equatoria State

South Sudan marked World Nature Conservation Day with a call for greater environmental stewardship and community action. Official urge citizens to plant trees and reduce plastic waste, highlighting the link between biodiversity and national resilience. Conservationists stress that protecting nature is a shared responsibility, not just for government and NGOs. The country is home to Africa’s largest mammal migration, which experts say must be preserved through local and international partnerships. Radio Miraya is in conversation with: 🔹Col. Charles Laku, Spokesperson at the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism 🔹Massimo Scalorbi from the European Union 🔹 Dorette Smit, Country Representative of African Parks 🔹 Ruei Houth, Executive Director of Agency for Conservation and Development

Guests: - Diana Nakato, UNMISS Anti-Cattle Raiding SPT- Jerome Onesimus Mwesigwa, UNMISS Anti-Cattle Raiding SPT- Angelo Malual Akok, Coordinator of Transhumance (Livestock), Directorate ofBorder and Livestock Police - NPS

Guests: - Wani Maradadi, Housing, Land and Property Specialist from IOM South Sudan - Professor Peter Wani Wani, University of Juba

As South Sudan continues to battle a cholera outbreak, this episode spotlights key community-level interventions by the WASH team, including water quality monitoring, rehabilitation of boreholes and latrines, chlorine distribution to health facilities and communities, provision of hygiene kits, water trucking, and hygiene promotion campaigns. Radio Miraya's Lucy Kiden speaks to Angeth Pamela Buol, WHO's Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Officer, and Nyankiir Ajing, Focal Person for WASH at the Ministry of Health.

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