Radio Miraya

Working Together discusses disability inclusion in South Sudan and the shift from humanitarian support to rights-based and civic empowerment approaches. Host Tidio Betty speaks with Seme Lado Michael, Disability Inclusion Coordinator at Light for the World, and Issa Khamis Mursal, Disability Inclusion Advisor at Light for the World. The programme explores disability rights, inclusive education, employment opportunities, social stigma, access to services in remote areas, and practical steps communities can take to create more accessible and welcoming environments.

Nationwide discusses South Sudan’s readiness for Ebola Virus Disease under the theme “Public Trust Through Preparedness and Partnership.” Host Gabriel Shidar speaks with Dr Kediende Chong, Executive Director of the National Public Health Institute; Dr Aggrey Bategereza, Emergency Preparedness and Response Team Lead; and Dr Tolbert Nyenswah, Country Director of Africa CDC. The guests explain the country’s preparedness measures, cross-border collaboration, community engagement, and the role of partnerships in preventing and responding to Ebola threats.

Working Together explores how Women for Justice and Equality is partnering with community-based groups to implement its 2026 Community Care Action Plan under the theme, “One Community, One Voice: Promoting Equality, Protecting Survivors, Ending Violence.” The discussion focuses on community responses to gender-based violence, survivor support services, access to justice in remote areas, psychosocial and livelihood assistance, and the role of women, police groups, and local leaders in preventing violence and promoting equality across communities.

Officials from South Sudan’s Ministry of Agriculture say the Shabaka Maisha social protection project is supporting vulnerable households through direct income support and labour-intensive public works. The programme is operating in 20 counties and targets refugees, returnees, host communities, and other vulnerable groups. Officials say beneficiaries are using cash transfers for food, school fees, healthcare, and small businesses. They acknowledge delays in recent payment cycles but insist the funds are managed through the World Bank and UNOPS and will be disbursed. Miraya is in conversation with: Hon. Anthony Majak Achuoth, Undersecretary for Cooperatives and Rural Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Dr. Erneo Blasio, Director General for National Projects and Schemes, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and Program Director, Single Projects Coordination Unit (SPCU)

South Sudan’s economy is under pressure, with rising prices, cash shortages, and limited jobs despite its vast natural resources and youthful population. Economist and University of Juba lecturer Ustaz Dengdit Akol Dengdit says rampant capital flight is draining money from the country, weakening local businesses, and slowing growth. In this, he calls for stronger support for South Sudanese entrepreneurs, investment in agriculture and industry, and policies that keep more wealth circulating within the economy.

As the world marked Nelson Mandela International Day on 18 July, South Africa’s Ambassador to South Sudan, Advocate Mahlodi Sam Muofhe, and civil society leader Animu Athiei reflected on Mandela’s legacy of peace, reconciliation and service. In this conversation, they highlight dialogue over conflict, volunteerism, social justice and youth leadership as key lessons for South Sudan’s democratic journey. The interview also outlines upcoming Mandela Day activities in Juba, including a community run, volunteer outreach and peacebuilding initiatives inspired by Mandela’s call to serve humanity.

As South Sudan moves toward the planned 22 December 2026 elections, leaders from political parties joined Radio Miraya’s Roundtable to debate a crucial question: are the country and its political actors truly ready? In this episode, leaders discuss civic education, voter registration, political space, peace implementation and the path to credible elections. The conversation reflects both hope and concern, but one message stands out: citizens must be informed and engaged if elections are to strengthen democracy and peace in South Sudan. Yach Garang James is in conversation with: Hon. Peter Mayen Majongdit – Chairperson of the People's Liberation Party Dr Gai Chol Paul – Chairperson of the People’s United Forum Hon. Joseph Bol Agau – Secretary General of the National Democratic Movement (NDM) Hon. Moro Isaac Genesio – Chairperson of the South Sudan National Movement for Change (SSNMC) and spokesperson for the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SOA)

As South Sudan moves towards its first election since independence, questions on the country's readiness for the polls have taken centre stage. South Sudan's peace agreement has failed to address fragility, and the country heads to the polls, expected to end the transitional period. Nationwide's Gabriel Shadar is in conversation with academic researcher and analyst Jan Popsisil .

Fleeing war, healing in Juba. When conflict erupted in Sudan in 2023, doctors such as Dr. Muwahib Ibn Idrissy crossed into South Sudan seeking safety. Today, they are treating patients in hospitals across Juba, helping strengthen a health system that continues to face shortages of staff and services. This feature follows Sudanese doctors rebuilding their lives while caring for South Sudanese patients, showing how migration can bring not only refuge, but also skills, service, resilience and hope to communities in need.

In this episode, we sit down with United Nations Volunteer Nenad Milosavljević, an Air Operations Assistant with UNMISS. Originally from Serbia and now based in Greece, Nenad has been serving in South Sudan for more than four years. With over three decades of professional experience, he reflects on his path to joining the United Nations, shares insights from his work in South Sudan, and discusses how air operations support UNMISS in delivering its mandate. Nenad also talks about the challenges and rewards of volunteering, offering a firsthand perspective on service, dedication, and making a difference in the lives of people across South Sudan.

In this episode, we feature United Nations Volunteer Monica Hernandez, a Supply Chain Assistant with UNMISS. Originally from El Salvador, Monica has spent nearly four years serving in South Sudan. Drawing on her military background, she shares her inspiring journey to the UN, reflects on her experiences living and working in South Sudan, and talks about the meaningful contributions she has made to support communities across the country. Join us as Monica offers a unique perspective on service, resilience, and the impact of volunteering.

In this episode, we discuss cleft lip and cleft palate, separating facts from myths and explaining how children and adults in South Sudan can access free treatment. Experts from Samaritan's Purse also answer listeners' questions about the programme and the patient registration process. The panel discusses the challenges faced by people living with cleft conditions, the importance of seeking treatment early, and how families across South Sudan can access the free surgical programme. The discussion also highlights the need to end stigma and encourage communities to support people affected by cleft lip and cleft palate. Guests: - Bidali Justin Bethuel: National Project Manager - Dr. Wani Patrick Henry: Program Officer - Lurit Yugusuk: Information Management Lead.

As South Sudan moves toward the December 2026 elections, the issue of women's political participation remains at the center of the country's democratic journey. The Revitalized Peace Agreement guarantees women at least 35 percent representation in public institutions, but the upcoming elections will test whether that commitment extends beyond appointments and quotas into genuine electoral competition. Will political parties field enough female candidates? What obstacles continue to stand in the way of women seeking elected office? And how can women move from reserved seats to winning competitive constituencies? To discuss these questions, in this episode we are joined by female parliamentarians representing the five signatories to the Revitalized Peace Agreement. Guests: - Hon. Viola Samuel Satti Chairperson of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus - SPLM - Hon. Natalina Malek- SSOA - Hon. Anna Samuel SPLM-IO - Hon. Victoria Benjamin- OPP - Hon. Susan John - National Agenda

Today is World Population Day , and Radio Miraya is focusing on one of the biggest challenges facing South Sudan's young population, school dropout. Across the country, thousands of children are leaving school because of poverty, displacement, insecurity, child labour, early marriage and teenage pregnancy. Instead of being in classrooms, many are working in markets, bus parks and workshops to survive. In this special report, we examine how school dropout is affecting South Sudan's future and why keeping children in school is key to the country's development.

Humanitarian aid often arrives after disaster has already struck. But what if support could reach families before drought pushes them into crisis? For the first time, the World Food Programme and the Government of South Sudan have activated a drought anticipatory action plan, providing cash assistance and early warning information to more than 65,000 people in Budi and Kapoeta North counties before conditions worsen. To tell us more about how this works and why it matters, we're joined by WFP spokesperson, Tomson Phiri.

South Sudan marks 15 years of independence, but what does the future look like through the eyes of its young people? In this episode, we explore the hopes, expectations and frustrations of a generation that has grown up with independence as their reality. From calls for peace and jobs, to the need for opportunity and inclusion, young people share how they want to shape the next chapter of the nation. Join our discussion with Youth Leaders and Activists, Rachel Hakim, Stella Kitale Swaka, Michael Julius and Atem Daniel.

A Chai Talk discussion examined why many young people in South Sudan are delaying marriage, after the Mayor of Torit said that only a few of the more than 2,000 youths he addressed indicated they were married. Callers identified unemployment, financial instability, high bride prices and the rising cost of supporting a family as the main barriers. Some said both men and women now prefer to become financially independent before marriage, while others urged families to make marriage requirements more affordable. Listeners also encouraged young people to engage in farming and other income-generating activities before taking on family responsibilities.

As South Sudan marks 15 years of independence, what has the country achieved, what lessons have emerged, and what lies ahead? On this edition of Democracy in Action , a lawmaker, a governance expert and a youth leader reflect on the nation's journey since 2011, examining progress in institution-building, education and national identity, while confronting the impact of conflict, economic challenges and unmet expectations. They also explore what it will take to build a more peaceful, prosperous and democratic South Sudan. Miraya's Sani Martin is in conversation with: Hon. Rebecca Joshua, Member of the National Transitional Legislative Assembly Prof. Julia Aker, Vice Chancellor at Dr John Garang Memorial University Mr. Patrick Godi, Youth Representative at the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC)

South Sudan has set 22 December 2026 as the date for its first post-independence elections, but is the country ready? On this edition of Roundtable , legal experts, civil society leaders and a church peace envoy examine whether the polls can deliver a peaceful transition or whether unresolved reforms, constitutional questions and logistical challenges could undermine the process. The discussion explores what credible elections require and whether they can help break South Sudan's long cycle of conflict and political transition. Yach Garang James is in conversation with: Archbishop Moses Deng Bol, South Sudan Council of Churches Peace Envoy Lorna Merekeje, Secretary General of SSuDEMOP Advocate Juma Mabor, Executive Director of ALARM James Boboya Edmond, Executive Director of the Institute of Social Policy and Research

Sickle Cell Disease affects millions of people worldwide, yet awareness and understanding of the condition remain low. As South Sudan prepares to commemorate World Sickle Cell Day on Saturday, July 4, at Al-Sabbah Children's Hospital, this edition explores the challenges faced by people living with the condition and the efforts being made to improve care and support. Held under the theme "Closing the Survival Gap: Equity in Sickle Cell Disease," the discussion looks at the prevalence of sickle cell disease in South Sudan, the warning signs families should watch for, and the importance of early diagnosis, treatment, and community awareness. Joining us are Dr Sarra Amum of Al-Sabbah Children's Hospital and Dr Moses Mutebi of the World Health Organization, who share insights into the condition, ongoing challenges, and practical steps to improve outcomes and save lives for those affected.

How is the second phase of the Enhancing Community Resilience and Local Governance Project helping communities across South Sudan? In this edition of Working Together , we discuss the objectives, implementation areas, and expected impact of the project, which is being implemented through a partnership involving World Vision, government institutions, and local communities. The programme also features a beneficiary's perspective on how the project is improving livelihoods and strengthening resilience at the community level. Joining us are: Kanyangu Sansole, Business Development Manager, World Vision Guyson Adikobaa, Project Manager, ECRP II, PMU/Ministry of Finance and Planning

In an exclusive interview on Nationwide with Gabriel Shadar, Egyptian Ambassador Hazem Mamdouh Fawzy described relations between Egypt and South Sudan as historically strong, but said trade and investment remain below their potential. He highlighted plans to expand cultural, educational and economic cooperation, confirmed that scholarships for South Sudanese students are under review rather than suspended, and said Egypt is working to complete electricity projects in Juba, Rumbek and Yambio while exploring further investment in solar energy. The ambassador also stressed the importance of peace and security for development, outlined Egypt’s efforts to support an end to the conflict in Sudan, and defended his government’s handling of foreign residents, saying South Sudanese living in Egypt must regularise their status and comply with residency laws while their rights are protected under Egyptian and international law.

We mark a special milestone as we celebrate 20 years of Radio Miraya, a journey dedicated to informing, educating, and empowering the people of South Sudan. For two decades, Radio Miraya has been more than just a radio station. It has served as a platform for dialogue, amplified diverse voices, and promoted peace, reconciliation, and nation-building. Through some of the most defining moments in the country’s history, Radio Miraya has stood alongside the people, connecting communities and strengthening democratic participation. As we reflect on this incredible journey, we also recognise the vital role of radio in fostering peace and unity. Joining the conversation are distinguished voices: • Gabriel Shadar – Radio Miraya senior management • Oyet Patrick – President, Union of Journalists of South Sudan • Irene Ayaa – Director, Association for Media Development in South Sudan

On MBS, Pia Philip Michael, Undersecretary for Peacebuilding, highlighted progress in establishing peacebuilding institutions, early warning systems and dialogue platforms across South Sudan. He cited community-led peace efforts, including improved relations and freedom of movement between previously conflicting communities. He said major challenges include the continued glorification of violence, weak funding and the long-term work required to rebuild trust. The Ministry’s priorities include national reconciliation, youth livelihoods, women’s participation, stronger traditional leadership and closer cooperation with state institutions. He also praised the UN Peacebuilding Fund for supporting reconciliation, transitional justice, efforts against hate speech and initiatives involving young people and women.