Radio Miraya

South Sudan’s Inter-Party Dialogue: Can It Save the December 22 Electoral Calendar?  

In this episode of Roundtable Sani Martin and his guests examine the issues shaping South Sudan’s peace, politics and democratic transition. 

Can the ongoing Inter-Party Dialogue which was launched by President Salva Kiir on 24th Sept last month deliver the political consensus needed to hold elections on December 22, 2026, or could the process expose disagreements that further threaten the electoral calendar?

Guests: 

1. Dr. Lam Akol Ajawin — Chairman of the National Democratic Movement (NDM) 

2. Paulino Lukudu Obede — Chairman of the Unite...

On Kalam Neswan this week, Mustafa Kur Lual speaks with women at Doro Refugee Camp in Maban County, where refugee camps shelter more than 220,000 people. As aid dwindles, the women, including leaders of women’s groups, call for greater support for locally led initiatives that help them develop skills, establish businesses and build sustainable livelihoods. They also highlight persistent gender-based violence and the need for stronger protection for women and girls.

What happens when the teacher also needs to finish school? In South Sudan’s Wulu County, 60 teachers are receiving support to complete their secondary education. This World Teachers’ Day, Nationwide examines what it takes to strengthen teaching, from qualifications and classroom confidence to support for women in the profession. With donor funding uncertain, the discussion asks whether gains can survive beyond a project, and what children stand to lose when the people teaching them lack the support they themselves need.

Guests:

What does standing with teachers mean in South Sudan? On World Teachers’ Day, Radio Miraya speaks with education specialists Manuela Tiyu and Tawanda Madhangi about unpaid salaries, overcrowded classrooms and the challenges of keeping qualified teachers in rural schools. They discuss a three-year programme targeting more than 4,200 teachers, alongside practical support such as housing and training. The conversation examines what government, communities and businesses can do to help teachers stay in the profession and give children a better education.

Refugee leaders in Maban are calling for urgent investment in secondary education, citing a severe shortage of schools, classrooms and teachers in the camps. In an interview on Miraya Breakfast Show Radio, Gendrassa Refugee Camp Chairperson Waleed Hakim says the lack of a secondary school in the camp forces students to travel long distances to continue their studies. He appeals to the government and humanitarian partners to expand education facilities, support teachers and create better learning opportunities for refugee youth. 

Presenter: Mustafa Kur Lual
Producer: Clayton Moyo
Photo Credit: Jesuit Refugee Service

In Maban, the county court is now handling a wider range of cases, including serious criminal offences, following the granting of High Court powers to the county judge. County Judge Biar Matet says this development has significantly improved access to justice, particularly for vulnerable communities, including more than 220,000 refugees living in the area.
However, he highlights limited access to legal aid as a major challenge, with many people unable to afford legal representation. He also points to challenges arising from the coexistence of customary and formal justice systems, noting that more people are appealing to the county court...

As the world marks World Rabies Day, we look at a deadly but preventable disease and what communities can do to protect themselves.
 
Under this year’s theme, “Stronger Together,” the discussion focuses on preventing rabies through vaccination, responsible pet ownership and prompt medical care after an animal bite or scratch.

Joining the conversation are Dr. Mary Joseph from MLF, Dr. David Martin from SMARFT CES, Aisha Saif Eldowla from SSVA, and Dr. Richard Sebit from VSF Suisse. They discuss rabies prevention, the One Health approach, and the steps people should take following possible exposure.

With less than three months to South Sudan’s 22 December general elections, political parties are meeting through the newly launched Inter-Party Dialogue to seek consensus on the electoral process.

On this edition of Round Table Discussion, Sani Martin speaks with 

1. Hon. Albino Akol Atak, Deputy Rapporteur of the Inter-Party Dialogue representing the Other Political Parties (OPP), and a senior leader of the African National Congress (ANC).
2. Ambassador John Andruga Duku, SPLM National Secretary for Political Affairs, Mobilisation and Organisation.

They discuss election readiness, political and civic space, security, trust among political parties, acc...

South Sudan’s National Social Insurance Fund is moving ahead with the implementation of social insurance contributions, including payments for the private sector from 1 October 2026.

But how does the social insurance system work? How are contributions made, who is required to pay, and what benefits are workers entitled to?
 
On Democracy in Action, host Gabriel Shadar speaks to Santo Daniel, Director of Research and Planning at the National Social Insurance Fund, and Utaz Ring Majok, Director of Administration and Finance at NSIF, about social insurance payments and what workers need to know about their contributions and...

On Peacemakers this week, we speak to Hiroko Hirahara, Chief of the UNMISS Civil Affairs Division, about the Citizens’ Talk for Peace Forums, an initiative aimed at taking dialogue closer to communities and giving citizens a stronger voice in peacebuilding.

We discuss how the forums will bring together communities, authorities, civil society, women, youth and other stakeholders to identify local concerns, build trust and develop practical solutions to conflict.

We also look at how citizens’ recommendations can be translated into action and contribute to social cohesion, reconciliation and the protection of civilians.

As the world marks the International Day of Peace, we look at what this year’s theme, “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day,” means for South Sudan.

How can communities contribute to lasting peace? What role can locally led peacebuilding play alongside national peace efforts?

David Vincent, Deputy Team Leader of the Peacebuilding Opportunities Fund, joins Conflict Advisers Cosmas Ladu and Harry Stables from the British Embassy in Juba to discuss the role of communities and ordinary people in building peace.

As South Sudan prepares for elections, what role will young people play in the country’s political and electoral process?

Proposed amendments to the National Elections Act provide for 50 percent of seats to be elected through geographical constituencies, 35 percent for women through proportional representation and 15 percent through party lists. But there is no specific allocation for youth.

In this edition of Roundtable, we discuss how young people can participate in the elections as voters, candidates and decision-makers, the opportunities and barriers they face, and what can be done to strengthen youth representation in the political pr...

In this episode of Health & Wellness, Dr. Bono Bol and Dr. Nyuon Biding discussed the importance of vaccines and immunization.

They discuss how vaccines work, routine childhood immunization, vaccine safety, common misconceptions and misinformation, the importance of the vaccine cold chain, and the role pharmacists and communities can play in protecting public health.

The United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has concluded a four-day visit, warning that renewed violence, political tensions, shrinking civic space and persistent impunity are putting civilians and the country’s democratic transition at risk. The three-member Commission engaged government officials, political and security actors, civil society, humanitarian partners, victims and other stakeholders, including survivors of recent violence in Jonglei. Its findings point to a fragile political environment ahead of the planned December elections, with concerns that continued insecurity and limited civic space could undermine a peaceful and credible transition.
Commissioner Barney Afako spoke with Ra...

UNESCO is supporting a literacy programme targeting more than 800 women in South Sudan’s security sector. The initiative aims to strengthen reading, writing, communication and digital skills while opening pathways to professional development and leadership. UNESCO official James Muorwel says limited literacy has affected women’s promotions, assignments and ability to make meaningful contributions. The programme also seeks to strengthen women’s role in responding to sexual and gender-based violence and give female survivors greater confidence to report cases and seek support. 

Literacy is more than reading and writing. UNICEF Young Reporters Esther Keji and Mark Habet discuss how literacy can help South Sudan’s young people make informed decisions, understand their rights, use technology responsibly and participate in their communities. They also examine barriers to education, including displacement, high school fees, child marriage, gender inequality and inadequate learning facilities, while sharing their hopes for a generation that can use education to build a more inclusive, resilient and peaceful South Sudan.

Teachers Without Borders is calling for a broader approach to literacy in South Sudan, one that also develops critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills. In this interview, Executive Director Chol Philip Kuer discusses the role of debate, public speaking and other activities in helping children build confidence and analyse information. He also explains how listening to opposing views and disagreeing constructively can equip young people with skills that support peaceful participation in their communities. 

Constitutional Amendment No. 13 has removed key legal barriers to South Sudan's first post-independence elections, paving the way for polls planned for December 2026. But is the country truly ready?

In this edition, we examine what the amendment means for the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, the state of preparedness by the National Elections Commission and the Political Parties Council, and the political, security and logistical challenges that still lie ahead.

Guests:

South Sudan’s Bright Stars have returned from Tunisia with three wins in the latest FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers. Central Equatoria Minister of Youth and Culture Hon. Bush Buse, who watched the games, says the team’s success shows sport's power to unite South Sudanese and project a positive image of the country. He also discusses plans for better sports facilities, including an indoor basketball court and a multi-sport complex in Juba. 

This discussion on the Miraya Breakfast Show focuses on women’s participation in South Sudan’s elections, the barriers they face, and the role of political parties, institutions and the media in creating a more inclusive political space. Gender practitioner Dr Angelina Bazugba and policy specialist Esther Ikere Ladu highlight intimidation, limited resources, party structures and media bias as key challenges, while urging women to seek information, build networks and prepare for leadership. They say meaningful participation is essential to credible, peaceful and legitimate elections. 

Presenter: Irene Lasu
Producer: Clayton Moyo
Aired: 02 September 2026

How safe are the products reaching South Sudanese consumers? The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards says it tests imported and locally produced goods, conducts market surveillance and removes products that fail to meet required standards. But limited laboratory infrastructure, long distances between entry points and testing facilities, and weak coordination among government agencies continue to create gaps. In this Miraya Breakfast Show interview, Quality Manager Garang Mayor Nyariel and Deputy Head of the Metrology Laboratory Sunday Isaac Dongrin discuss the challenges and plans to strengthen quality control.

South Sudan is taking steps toward ratifying the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, a global treaty aimed at reducing the health, social and economic harm caused by tobacco use. The Ministry of Health, with support from the World Health Organization, is holding a national high-level stakeholder orientation from September 1–2, 2026, to discuss the treaty and what ratification would mean for tobacco control in the country. On the Miraya Breakfast Show, Mary Dennis Obat, Director of Health Education at the Ministry of Health, and Dr Moses Mutebi of WHO explain the importance of the process and what comes next.

Fishing is a lifeline for more than 15,000 people in Jonglei State, providing food, income and livelihoods across Bor and the surrounding Nile and Sudd wetlands. At the Laudiar landing site, fishers, traders, women and young people depend on the fish trade to support their families. However, poor roads, insecurity and inadequate storage are limiting the growth of Jonglei’s fishing sector. The government is exploring ways to modernise the industry, while the United Nations' Food & Agricultural Organization supports fishing communities with equipment and training to reduce losses. 

Reporter: Tidio Betty
Editor: Clayton Moyo
Photo Credit: FAO...

In Lakes State, traditional wrestling is quite a test of strength and courage. Peace tournaments are bringing rival cattle-keeping communities together, giving young people a space to compete, celebrate their culture and build relationships without violence. Families, children and spectators gather to watch the contests, dance and reconnect with community life. However, as changing lifestyles reshape society, cultural leaders warn that traditional practices need deliberate efforts to survive. 

Reporter: Philip Pitia Kamilo Wani
Editor: Clayton Moyo
Photo Credit: Fares Aouadi/UNMISS

Aired: August 2026

For generations, cattle have been a symbol of wealth, identity and social status in South Sudan. However, in Rumbek, Lakes State, livestock is increasingly connecting pastoral communities to wider economic opportunities. At Malith Cattle Auction Market, herders sell prized animals to meet household needs, pay school fees and fulfill social obligations. In nearby kraals, cattle remain central to daily life, despite challenges in treating livestock diseases. With more than 36 million cattle, sheep and goats, the sector holds significant economic potential.

Reporter: Philip Pitia Kamilo Wani
Editor: Clayton Moyo
Photo Credit: UN FAO

Thousands of displaced people living in Juba’s IDP camps are facing serious challenges accessing healthcare and basic sanitation. In two camps, residents say limited medical services, shortages of medicines and a lack of maternity care are making life increasingly difficult. Pregnant women often have to travel long distances to seek maternal services, while camp leaders say some residents have died at home after failing to access care. Juma Emmanuel visits the camps to document residents’ experiences and their calls for support. 

Reporter: Emmanuel Juma
Editor: Clayton Moyo
Aired: March 2026
Photo Credit: UNICEF South Sudan

What happens to families when a loved one disappears, and they are left without answers?
Every year on August 30, the world marks the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, standing with families who continue to search for their missing relatives and seek to know what happened to them.
In South Sudan, we explore the scale of the missing persons issue, efforts to trace those who remain unaccounted for, and the support available to affected families.
On the Miraya Breakfast Show, we speak to Charles Placido, Director of Emergency Preparedness & Response at the Ministry of...

On this special extended edition of Nationwide, we examine South Sudan’s preparedness for its upcoming elections. The country is scheduled to hold its first post-independence general elections in December 2026, a milestone that will mark the end of the current transitional period. However, the process unfolds amid significant challenges, with the Revitalised Peace Agreement remaining fragile.
In this edition, we speak with the Chairperson of the National Elections Commission, Professor Abednego Akok Kacuol, alongside the Commissioner for Voter and Civic Education, Ms Thabo Ajang, to discuss the state of electoral preparedness, key challenges, and the road ahead.

Misinformation, disinformation and hate speech can pose serious risks to social cohesion as South Sudan prepares for elections.
In this episode of the Miraya Breakfast Show, youth advocates from Peacepedia discuss how young people can identify false and harmful information, avoid spreading hate speech and use social media responsibly during the election period.
The discussion also focuses on young people's role as both consumers and creators of online content, and what government can do to provide timely, accurate information and protect civic space.
Miraya is in conversation with:  Ayuen Kon Ajhok John Akuei Atem

Anti-corruption bodies can help protect the integrity of elections by preventing, detecting, investigating and prosecuting electoral malpractices, including vote-buying, bribery, misuse of public resources and illicit campaign financing. On this episode of Nationwide Discussion Hour, we speak with officials from the South Sudan Anti-Corruption Commission about how they will monitor and address corruption during the electoral process.
We examine the laws and regulations governing electoral corruption, potential offences during elections, and how such cases can be addressed. Gabriel Shadar is in conversation with: 

On this episode of Nationwide Discussion Hour, we speak with the Minister of Higher Education, Hon.  Changkuoth Bichiock Reth, about the state of higher education in South Sudan.
The discussion covers the planned expansion of public universities, the long-awaited Student Support Fund, research and development, scholarships, challenges facing existing universities, and the push to increase higher education funding to at least 5% of the national budget.

What are the priorities, and what can students and universities expect?

The Miraya Breakfast Show discusses South Sudan’s Ebola preparedness as health authorities strengthen measures to prevent the virus from entering the country despite no confirmed cases. Guests from the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organisation, and Hope Restoration South Sudan explain border screening, community surveillance, public awareness campaigns, and practical prevention measures, while addressing misinformation and the importance of early reporting.  

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: