Radio Miraya

Guests: - Hon. Dr. James Mabor Deng Gatkuoth Nyak, Chair of Committee on Legislation and Justice, TNLA- Jackline Nasiwa, Centre for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice- Dr. Geri Raimondo, University of Juba and former Justice of the Court of Appeal- Yak Abednego Ajak, Secretary for Information, South Sudan Bar Association

Guests: 1. Mr. Juma Mabor; Executive Director, African Leadership and Reconciliation Ministries2. Ms. Adut Christina; Deputy Director, South Sudan Women’s Empowerment Network3. Isaac Lappa, Human Rights Officer, UNMISS

Guest: - Major General Pascal Lado Mathias, Director Civil Defense Service - Ministry of Interior

1. Dr Isaac Yak Tutdel – Chairman of Board of Directors 2. James Keah Ninrew - Executive and founding member of UNIDOR 3. John Kong Kuol, Director for Operation and co-founder

Jean-Pierre Lacroix: Under-Secretary General for Peace Operations

Guests: - Garwich Lam: National Legislative Assembly - Peter Lomude: National Legislative Assembly

South Sudan marks five years since the formation of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity on February 22, coinciding with the end of the roadmap extension. This begins a new transition period running until February 2027, with general elections set for December 2026. However, key tasks remain unfinished, including the permanent constitution, force unification, and other critical commitments. As the extended period starts on February 22, 2025, urgent actions are needed to ensure meaningful progress toward a stable political future. In this special edition of Rondtable, we focus on key requirements and expectations from the process that will shape South Sudan’s political future.Radio Miraya's Sani Martin is in conversation with: Hon. Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro, SG of the High-Level Implementation Committee and the National Minister of Cabinet Affairs representing the RTGoNU Hon. Pout Kang Chol, Senior member of the SPLM-IO, National Minister of Petroleum and the Deputy Chairperson of the High-level Implementation Committee Hon. Moro Isaac Jenasio, Spokesperson of South Sudan Opposition Alliance Ambassador Charles Tai Gituai, RJMEC outgoing Interim Chairperson

United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, is visiting South Sudan to engage with stakeholders and advocate for significant progress in implementing the Revitalized Peace Agreement. In an exclusive interview with Radio Miraya, Lacroix emphasized the need for advancements in security arrangements and tangible election preparations. He also acknowledged the challenging regional environment, noting South Sudan's exposure to humanitarian impacts from the Sudanese conflict, and stressed the importance of strengthening resilience.

- David Kwaje: IGADs Head of Mission in South Sudan- IGAD is the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development.- Dr. Alfaki Chol Lual: Dean, School of Law University of Juba

Outgoing Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, Ambassador Charles Tai Gituai responds to critical questions on the implementation of South Sudan's transitional period. Amb. Gituai tells Radio Miraya that time is running out for the parties in Peace Agreement as there are substantial outstanding issues that need to be implemented ahead of the 2026 elections that are expected to mark South Sudan's transition to a democratic dispensation.

Guest: - John Nathana: Secretary General of Commission

Guests: - Joseph Abuni Gama - Richard Mawa Micheal

Guests: - Dr. Zachariah Peter – Chairperson of the South Sudan Doctors’ Union- Dr. Luka Dut – SG Medical Doctor

"What I do is obviously what everybody should be doing be doing," Ajo Noel, a lawyer by profession and a farmer by heritage and practice believes that every South Sudanese is tied to food production. He believes every South Sudanese has a role in food production. Speaking to Radio Miraya, he shares how he is changing the narrative in his conflict-scarred village in Eastern Equatoria by shifting the focus to agriculture.

In this episode, Know Your Rights unpacks the meaning of human rights, their fundamental principles, and what it truly means to have them. The discussion explores who holds the responsibility for promoting and protecting these rights and how organizations work to safeguard them in South Sudan.Guests share insights into the impact of human rights initiatives, highlighting both progress made and ongoing challenges faced by civil society organizations in their advocacy efforts. The episode also examines key obstacles to human rights protection and the lessons learned from engaging with stakeholders to foster a more just and rights-respecting society.

Violence and conflict in South Sudan have both fueled and resulted from widespread human rights violations, with youth among the most affected. This episode explores the various rights that have been compromised, including the right to life, health, education, livelihood, and freedoms of assembly, association, and movement.The discussion highlights the crucial role South Sudanese youth play in promoting and protecting human rights, contributing to peacebuilding, and fostering sustainable development. Daniel Mwaka, Executive Director, Youth Empowerment OrganisationKenyi Jimmy, Programme Manager, I Am Peace

Access to justice is a fundamental right, yet many South Sudanese in need of legal aid remain unable to obtain it. To bridge this gap, the Federation of Women Lawyers, in collaboration with UNMISS' Human Rights Division, is working to expand legal services to those who need them most. In this episode of Know Your Rights, Radio Miraya speaks with members of the organization to explore their work, the challenges they face, and the existing barriers to justice for citizens. Ms. Susan Poni: Executive Director, Federation of Women LawyersMs. Christina Yacoub: Legal Officer, Federation of Women LawyersMr. James Gatnyang: Legal Officer, Federation of Women Lawyers

Key decision-makers in Central Equatoria are seeking solutions to drive development in a state long plagued by conflict, which has stunted growth and trapped citizens in a cycle of instability and displacement. From February 12th to 14th, 2025, the Central Equatoria State government, with support from the UNMISS Central Equatoria Field Office, convened a County Commissioners’ and Mayors’ Forum in Juba. This forum, a follow-up to the resolutions from the 8th Governors’ Forum held in November 2024, brought together County Commissioners, Mayors, State Ministers, local administrators, and other key stakeholders. What key resolutions came out of the forum? What top strategies must leaders prioritize to stay on track? How do these issues tie into the mandate of the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan? These are the questions that Radio Miraya's Yach Garang James is posing to the guests. He is in conversation with: Paulino Lukudu Obede, Deputy Governor of Central Equatoria State Emmanuel Taban Seme, County Commissioner, Yei River County Njoki Kinyanjui, UNMISS Head of Field Office, Juba Aired: 15.02.2025

On this episode we focus on raising awareness about gender-based violence (GBV) during the 16 Days of Activism campaign. The programme highlights the increasing prevalence of GBV in South Sudan, with a 30% rise in incidents, and explores the steps being taken by the SHRDN to address this issue, including efforts to raise awareness, challenge discriminatory attitudes, and push for stronger legal protections. In conversation with Radio Miraya's Sebit William are two panelists: Gisma Juma: Activist, South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network – Women’s Cluster Flora Lokudu: Activist, South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network – Women’s Cluster

The World Food Programme’s Assistant Executive Director for Partnerships and Advocacy, has called on South Sudanese to increase investments in agricultural productivity. Rania Dagash-Kamara made the remarks after leading a high-level humanitarian delegation to crisis-affected areas in the country. Kamara acknowledges the potential South Sudan has, not only for smallholder farmers but also for large scale mechanised farming.

Social media is transforming the way citizens engage in politics, civic issues, and peace efforts. It has opened doors for greater participation and accountability, but it also brings challenges like misinformation and exclusion. Has it led to more inclusive discussions? What can be done to navigate its risks while maximizing its benefits? Radiio Miraya's Lucy Kiden is in conversation with: Patrick Oyet, President of Union of Journalists of South Sudan, Member of NCRC Nelson Kwaje, Chairperson of Digital Rights Frontlines

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Nicholas Haysom, has urged the South Sudan government to accelerate the implementation of outstanding tasks in the Revitalized Peace Agreement to ensure a smooth process for the December 2026. Addressing the United Nations Security Council, Haysom noted the persistent challenges of communal violence that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, particularly women, children and marginalised communities.

Digital platforms are altering affective responses to challenges that we encounter, at times worsening relations between people. Content moderation is not proving to be effective in containing the spread of harmful messages. Recently, South Sudan experienced protests that prompted the National Communications Authority to restrict social media access for 72 hours. In this discussion, we explore how we can foster responsible digital practices. Radio Miraya's Lucy Kiden and Moyo Jacob are in conversation with: Atong Majok, Media Authority Mary Ajith, Journalists for Human Rights Ochaya Jackson, 211 Check

Cattle-related conflicts encompass disputes among pastoralist communities or between pastoralists and farmers, often stemming from competition over resources such as land and water. Cattle raiding, or rustling, involves the forceful theft of cattle and is frequently linked to violent crimes. These conflicts manifest in various forms, including land disputes, water access issues, grazing rights disagreements, and cultural or ethnic tensions. Key contributing factors include resource competition, poverty, economic instability, ethnic tensions, climate change, and the commercialization of cattle raiding.Radio Miraya's Lucy Kiden is in conversation with: Jophes MAGEZI MANASSEH, UN Police Advisor, Anti-cattle Raiding Unit Focal Point, UNMISS Wau Field Office David MANGOK, Sec. Gen. ICCSM/Marial Bai Agreement

Education takes the spotlight as UNICEF launches the Back-to-School Campaign, a powerful push to get kids back in class and make education a top priority for families across South Sudan. With a staggering 2.8 million children out of school, this campaign shines a light on their struggles, shares inspiring stories, and promotes solutions to break barriers. UNICEF's Young Reporter Desmon Kennedy is urging parents, communities and school authorities to make sure that every child makes it back to class in 2025.

After a month-long adjournment over the holidays, peace talks under the Tumaini peace process resumed in Nairobi on 23 January 2025, much to the relief of citizens following the proceedings closely. However, disagreements persist among parties on where and how to restart negotiations, leaving progress uncertain.With over 70% of South Sudan's population under the age of 30, youth remain the most affected by the conflict, bearing the brunt of war and its devastating impact on their futures. For some, the Tumaini Initiative represents a beacon of hope for a stable, peaceful nation that could unlock opportunities to rebuild their lives.Yach Garang gathers South Sudan’s brightest young minds to tackle a pressing question: What do they expect the Tumaini Initiative to deliver for their future and the nation? Yach is in conversation with: Catherine Charles Vitaliano Rambang Tot Deng Deng Kur Mading

Koch Agang - Chairperson of South Sudan Civil Society Alliance

Maura Ajak, a journalist and climate change advocate, with over 10 years of experience in journalism.. In 2020, she was awarded The Climate Change Award on East Africa Region by IGAD Climate Prediction Center (ICPAC). She has worked with numerous local and international media outlets, currently a freelancer with Al Jazeera Media Network.Her advocacy work focuses on the Environment & Climate, Justice, Youth, Culture and Arts, and Sports. On this episode she is in conversation with Radio Miraya's Lucy Kiden on advocacy and climate change.

South Sudan is set to boost its electricity supply by 40 megawatts and lower energy costs by the end of this month. The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Dams, Lam Tungwar says the increased capacity will come from two solar power plants - one operated by EZRA and another government owned facility in Nesitu.

Guest: - Clement Juma, NMC Chair and Founding Member of SSOA, and Member of the National Parliament.

Guests:- Augustino Ting, Director General of the National Bureau of Statistics

Guests: - PA Abu Baker Musiho: Anti-cattle Raiding Unit, UNMISS - Lt. Angelo Malual Akok: Coordinator of Transhumance (Livestock) Directorate of Border and Livestock Police-NPS - Hawas Aganas: Civil Affairs Officer, UNMISS

Guests: - Hon. Pout Kang: Senior Member of SPLM-IO - Hon. Moro Genesio: Spokesperson of SSOA - Hon. Albino Akol Atak: Minister of Humanitarian Affairs & Disaster Management

Guests: Paul Wani - UNMISS Political Affairs Officer

Guest:Guy Warrington - UK Ambassador to South Sudan

Guest: - Lado Wani Kenyi: Undersecretary of Ministry of Information, Community and Postal Services, and member of board of directors of South Sudan E-Services

Guests: - Dr. Idyoro Joseph Ojukwu-Vice president of the Association for Gynecologists and Obstetricians of South Sudan (AGOSS).- Jackline Mensona Bona- Ministry of Health Staff Social Behaviour Change communication - Paru Benard- Executive Director- Bringing Inclusive Development South Sudan (BRIDE-SSD)

Guests: - Mr. Jackson Ukello Akur – Deputy Chief for Social Statistics and NDSII National Coordinator - Mr Giir Mabior Cyerdit – Deputy Director: data and statistics unit - Atem Bul - Deputy Dean School of Mathematics, University of Juba

Guest: - Mohan Subramanian: UNMISS Military Force Commander

Guest: - George Lemi: NEC spokesperson.

Guests: 1. Helen Terso – SS Football Association 2. Dr. Salyi Samuel - SS Football Association

Guests: 1. Mr. Lothar Jaschke - Acting Head of Delegation EU Delegation in South Sudan 2. Amb. Paul Tholen - Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in South Sudan 3. Adut Christina - Woman Human Rights Defender

Guests: 1. Dr. Abraham Telar - Executive Director2. Sabri Wani Lado - Legal Advisor3. Noel Remasu - Director Internal and International Cooperation

This week saw the re-launch of the Tumaini Peace Initiative, with a renewed focus on prioritizing the implementation of agreements once reached. The parties involved in the ongoing talks here in Nairobi have reaffirmed their commitment to finding a sustainable peace agreement for South Sudan. As we look ahead, the question remains: Can the Tumaini talks deliver a peace agreement by Christmas, offering the people of South Sudan the most precious gift of all? Sani Martin hosted a panel at the Radio Miraya satellite studio in Nairobi to discuss this and more: Luka Biong, Academia. Rajab Mohandis, member of stakeholders and delegate of the People's Coalition for Civil Action (PCCA) who are stakeholders at the talks. Nagomoro Bridget, South Sudan Women’s Bloc.

Guests: - Lemi Thomas: Men4Women organization - Noah Bando