Radio Miraya

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.

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.