Radio Miraya

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

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