Radio Miraya

In this episode of Miraya on the Road - Nationwide Edition from Bentiu, Unity State, Sani Martin sits down with Governor Riek Bim Top. The governor discusses ongoing security challenges, including recurring cattle raids that have fueled tensions with neighbouring Warrap State. He also talks about efforts to reclaim flood-affected land, as many residents continue to live in an internal displacement camp.

In a fresh push to improve food security, the government of Central Equatoria State has instructed all six counties to set aside 20 square kilometers of land each specifically for agriculture. The announcement was made during the just-ended third edition of the Juba Economic Forum, a three-day event that brought key players together to tackle pressing economic issues. Among the top concerns was South Sudan’s rigid land policy, widely seen as a major obstacle to agricultural development. So what action points came out of the forum? And how do they move us closer to a more food-secure future? Sani Martin was in conversation with, Erneo Balisio Peter, Director general for national projects at the National Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

Outgoing UN Police Commissioner serving at the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, Christine Fossen, speaks on the work of UN Police in protecting civilians across South Sudan. She particularly emphasises the advisory role that UN Police have played in sharing skills with the South Sudan National Police Service. One of Fossen’s highlights during her three-year tenure has been leading the training and mentoring of women police officers to empower them to be leaders within the national police service and assume greater responsibilities. Aired: 15 May 2025

As uncertainty persists on the future of South Sudan's Revitalised Peace Agreement, the National Elections Commission has reaffirmed South Sudan’s commitment to conducting national elections by December 2026. Chairperson Professor Abednego Akok emphasises the crucial role of political will and adequate funding in meeting this timeline. He discloses that a budget proposal of 22 million USD has been submitted to Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel to support key preparatory activities, including the establishment of state offices. Professor Akok also underscores the importance of ensuring transparency and security throughout the vote-counting process.

Guests: - Rabi Musa, Representative, Islamic Community - Zabib Musa, Executive Director of Women’s Organization for Justice and Empowerment

In this episode of our Cholera Update Series, produced in collaboration with the World Health Organization South Sudan, we focus on the critical role of nutrition and hygiene in preventing and managing the disease. WHO Nutrition Officer Dr. Lucy Meseka shares insights on key nutritional strategies that support survival and recovery. Aired: 02 May 2025

The World Health Organization in South Sudan, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, has ramped up its cholera response through a nationwide vaccination campaign aimed at curbing the spread of the disease. With reported cases now exceeding 50,000, the vaccine is already making a noticeable impact in areas where it has been administered. According to WHO’s Technical Officer for Oral Cholera Vaccine, community uptake and acceptance of the vaccine have been very high. Aired: 25 April 2025

As South Sudan grapples with what has been described as the worst cholera outbreak in recent years, we bring you the Cholera Update Series in collaboration with the World Health Organization in South Sudan. In this episode, Dr. Aggrey Bateregeza, Team Lead for Emergency Preparedness and Response, explains what cholera is and how affected communities can manage during an outbreak. He also highlights key hygiene and sanitation precautions, especially for those caring for cholera patients.

In our Cholera Update Series, produced in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), we highlight the role of disease surveillance in detecting and responding to South Sudan’s ongoing cholera outbreak. Speaking on the Miraya Breakfast Show, WHO's Public Health Officer Sheila Baya explains that the outbreak was initially identified through surveillance systems, triggered by the arrival of refugees from Sudan where cholera was already spreading. She notes that case numbers have declined in areas where vaccination campaigns have been carried out. However, she also expresses concern over rising cases in other locations still experiencing an upsurge. Aired: 09 May 2025

Guests: - Nelson Kwaje, Executive Director of Digital Rights Frontlines - Rebecca Agau Deng, Director of Out of Chronic Hatred

Guest: - Robert Pitia, Chairperson of the Central Equatoria State Chamber of Commerce.

Guest: - Nancy Matayo, Senior Official, the Directorate of Child at the National Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare

Guest: - Father John Loboka, Catholic priest

Guest: Clinical Psychologist and Program Manager at HealthNet TPO - Boniface Duku

Guests: 1. PA Mikko Lampila - SGBV SPT 2. Samson Bida Interim head of CCC3. Marline CCC resident 4. Abdelaziz CCC Resident

Guests: 1. Hon. Agok Makur, Secretary General of the SPLM-IO Interim leadership and former Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning 2. Prof. Peter Adwok Nyaba, Former Minister of Higher Education and individual Researcher 3. Bishop Enock Tombe Bishop, Bishop Emeritus and SSCC Envoy to Tumaini Initiative and member of RJMEC 4. Hon Dr Aldo Ajou Deng Akuey, A member of the Council of State.

Guest: - Hon. James Hoth Mai, Minister of Labor

Guests: - Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai, SSPDF spokesperson- Josephine Achiro, Journalist

Guest: - Poni Issa Atif, UNICEF Young Reporter - Randa Wani, UNICEF Young Reporter

Guest: - PA Abubaker Musiho, UNMISS Anti-cattle Raiding Unit - Lt. Angelo Malual Akok, Coordinator of Transhumance (Livestock) Directorate of Border and Livestock Police-NPS - PA Mwesigwa Onesimus Jerome, NPS- Directorate of Border and Livestock Police - PA Kipkazi Kipsang, Anti-cattle Raiding Unit

Juma Marial - Interim Country Director for African Leadership and Reconciliation Ministries Rebecca Deng - Executive Director for Out of Chronic Hatred Organization

Guest:- Apiu De Maiwak - Manager of Consumer Protection, Civil Aviation Authority.

Guests: - Dr. Eric Rurangwa, Immunization Hub Coordinator with the World Health Organization (WHO) Office in South Sudan.- Apeng Kuluel - UNICEF’s Social and Behavior Change Officer

Guests:- Akoc Manheim, Director of the Citizens Call for Emergency Evacuation and Reception of South Sudanese Trapped in Sudan Group.- Liebo Bona - Coordinator in Citizens Call for Emergency Evacuation and Reception of South Sudanese Trapped in Sudan Group.

Guest: - Dr. Aggrey Kaijuka Bategereza - Emergency Preparedness and Response Team Lead with the World Health Organization in South Sudan

Guests: - Lasuba Lodu Wongo - Minister of Federal Affairs and Interim Chair of the SPLM/A IO. - Agok Makur: Former Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic planning and Interim Secretary General of the SPLM-IO. - Abraham Kuol Nyoun - Professor at Graduate College UoJ - Edmund Yakani - Executive Director of CEPO

Guests: - Nancy Acayo Cirino - Alba Foundation for Women and Girls and RJMEC Youth Representative - Adeng Malual Leek - Civil Society Activist and Programme Manager at Non-violent Peace Force

Guests: Patrick Oyet - CEO of Juba Echo TV and President of the Union of Journalists in South Sudan Nelson Kwaje - Chairperson Digital Rights Frontline

The nature of conflict in South Sudan is shifting from intercommunal violence to direct confrontations between armed political groups, raising concerns of a return to full-scale war. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has already voiced alarm over the situation. His Special Representative, Nicholas Haysom, says the only path out of the crisis is to restore, revitalize, and operationalize the structures of the Peace Agreement, starting with the release of political detainees. Haysom shares these insights in an interview with Radio Miraya’s Magdolin Kuajok Joseph.

As the world commemorates the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda, the Rwandan Community in South Sudan is sharing key lessons with the South Sudanese people.Chairperson of the Rwandan Community, William Ngabonziza, emphasises the importance of accountability and collective ambition, urging communities to “think big” together. He acknowledges that forgiveness was a difficult ask for survivors, but says it has been instrumental in putting Rwanda on a path toward reconciliation and development.Aired: 07 April 2025

As the world marks International Mine Action Awareness Day 2025, Nationwide brings together key stakeholders to discuss the progress of demining efforts in South Sudan.William Maina, Deputy Chief of Operations at UNMAS, and Taban Augustine, Executive Director of Save Lives Initiative South Sudan, speak with Radio Miraya's Gabriel Shadar about the ongoing need for awareness, as some areas remain contaminated with explosive ordnance. They also highlight the collaborative efforts in mine action, including risk education, data collection, and clearing hazardous areas.To round off the discussion, Radio Miraya listeners call in to share their views, raise concerns, and ask critical questions about safety and broader mine action initiatives.Aired: 03 April 2025

As part of our continued efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of landmines, cluster munitions, and other explosive ordnance in South Sudan, the Miraya Breakfast Show focuses on the safety of children ahead of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action on April 4th. Embracing this year’s theme, "Safer Futures Start Here," UNICEF Young Reporters, Agot Alier and Stephen Giir help us explore the risks explosive ordnance poses to children, how young peer educators are working to spread awareness, and what schools, families, and communities can do to keep children safe. Aired: 02 April 2025

"Demining is a courageous and impactful way of serving your community. Women and girls have the strength, commitment, and resilience to make a difference," says Itta Betty Lowela.Meet three incredible women who are taking on the risky, yet vital work of clearing landmines and unexploded ordnance, making their communities safer. Their impact goes beyond safety, by reclaiming land, they are also restoring livelihoods, allowing agricultural activities to flourish and giving communities a fresh start. The Miraya Breakfast Show is in conversation with: Itta Betty Lowela, Risk Education and Operations Advisor, UNMAS Agnes Chandia, Deputy Team Leader, SafeLane Global Abuk Makur, Danish Refugee Council, Deminer Aired: 01 April 2025

We shine a spotlight on mine action as South Sudan joins the world on April 4th in observing International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. Mine action plays a crucial role in enabling peacekeepers to conduct patrols, allowing humanitarian agencies to deliver vital aid, and, most importantly, ensuring that citizens can live without the constant fear of landmines. In conversation with Radio Miraya is Chief of the United Nations Mine Action Service, Zehrudin Sukanovic, and Chairperson of the National Mine Action Authority, Jurkuch Barach. Aired: 31 April 2025

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged South Sudan's leaders to lay down their weapons and engage in dialogue. In a firm statement to the media in New York, Guterres called on the country's leadership to de-escalate tensions and initiate talks, warning that the current situation in South Sudan is 'darkly reminiscent' to the events that led to the 2013 and 2016 conflicts, which resulted in the deaths of at least 400,000 civilians. "Put down the weapons and put the people of South Sudan first," he appealed. We bring you his full 4-minute statement.

With rising tensions in eastern Upper Nile, the recent crises in Tambura and Yambio, and ongoing intercommunal conflicts fueled by revenge attacks, cattle raids, and road ambushes, the role of traditional authorities is becoming increasingly complex and challenging.How can traditional leaders contribute to peacebuilding amid political instability, which is largely driven by power struggles among the elite? Gabriel Shadar is in conversation with Acuil Malith Banggol, a researcher in Peace, Advocacy and Strategic Studies.

As South Sudan faces climate extremes, access to food has become a challenge for the population. The "Boosting Climate-Sensitive Local Food Systems" project, led by Welthungerhilfe, is helping farmers adapt to climate impacts while setting a model for future-focused, climate-resilient agricultural practices.In this episode of Seasons, we spotlight the project in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, where farmers in a flood-prone region are witnessing a shift in their fortunes.First Aired: 25 March 2025

The UN Special Representative for South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom cautions that South Sudan is on the edge of a relapse into civil war, if the parties do not resolve their differences peacefully and put the interests of the people ahead of their own. In a virtual press briefing to New York, Mr Haysom updated on the security and political situation in the country and said the only one path out of the cycle of conflict is to return to the Revitalized Peace Agreement, in letter and spirit. We bring you the Special Representative’s 5-minute statement to the Press.

South Sudan is on the brink of crisis as tensions have escalated over the past two weeks, with violence in Upper Nile State's Nasir County claiming the lives of an army general, a UN peacekeeper, and several soldiers.The spotlight is on President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar to engage in dialogue and steer the country toward stability as it works to implement the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement ahead of the 2026 elections.Top South Sudanese clergy have expressed their readiness to facilitate talks between the leaders to end hostilities. Sani Martin is in conversation with: His Eminence, Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla Rt. Rev. Moderator James Makuei Chol, Moderator of General Assembly Presbyterian Church of South Sudan & Sudan The Most Revd. Justin Badi Arama, Archbishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Metropolitan Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Juba

Ever heard of coffee soap? Our guest on Community Conversations is a trailblazer in organic products. Susan Peter of Maridi Organics shares her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing that the key to uplifting young South Sudanese lies right at their doorstep - what’s needed is innovation and determination to turn those resources into prosperity.

The Governor of Eastern Equatoria, Louis Lojong Lojore, joins Sebit William on the Miraya Breakfast Show alongside UNMISS Head of Field Office in Eastern Equatoria, Guy Griffin, to discuss the challenges of managing intercommunal violence in the state. Governor Lojong acknowledges that while there is harmony among the state's communities, cross-border breaches remain a concern due to Eastern Equatoria’s shared borders with Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Mr. Griffin highlights the UN Mission’s support for peace efforts in the region, particularly through logistical assistance. He also notes that modest road rehabilitation efforts have been undertaken to improve humanitarian aid access to remote communities in need.

Guest:- Dr Agum Rin Mabeny – Representative of Anglican Church of South Sudan.

Guests: - Abuk James South - Sudan Women Union - Karima Anthony - South Sudan Women Union

Guests: - Jane Gordon: Chairperson of South Sudan Women Entrepreneur and Secretary General of South Sudan Women’s Union - Jane Tumalu: Assistant Director for Gender in the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, South Sudan

Guest: - Atong Majok Kur, Trained Journalist and Professional advocate. Chair of the Board of Media Authority, and Member of the South Sudan Bar Association.- Nelson Kwaja, Chairperson Digital Rights frontlines (DRF) and a former CEO and co-founder Defy Hate Now.

Guest: - Amer Manyok, Chairperson of Women Bloc in South Sudan, Vice Chairperson of IGAD Women Peace and Security

Guests: - Sheila B. Keetharuth, UNMISS Senior Women's Protection Advisor - Jackline Nassiwa: Executive Director of Center for Inclusive Governance, Peace, and Justice (CIGPJ)

The International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness, observed on March 5, aims to raise public awareness, particularly among youth, about disarmament issues. It highlights how disarmament efforts contribute to peace, security, and the prevention of armed conflicts, while reducing the human suffering caused by weapons in communities. In South Sudan, the excessive use and trade of explosive weapons, small arms, and light weapons threaten civilian safety and hinder peace and development. The South Sudan Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration Commission works to help former fighters and their communities transition to peace. DDR specialist and Executive Director of the Commission, Wilson Lual says arms in the hands of civilians are hindering the development of the country.

Guests: 1. Makur Majeng - Save the Nile, Project Lead2. Aluet Garang - Environmental educator