JUBA - “Let's stay away from politics. If we start listening to men and acting on their words, we will destroy our country. As women, we have no problem with each other. The problem is with men who spread hate speech among the people.”
This kind of honest and open sharing of opinions perfectly captures the special nature of the Community Conversations Show, a radio programme dedicated to amplifying the challenges faced by the people of South Sudan as well as their suggested solutions.
On its first anniversary, the show, which is broadcast on United Nations Mission in South Sudan’s Radio Miraya, went on the road to Mangalla, where it was welcomed by more than 50 community leaders.
“We appreciate the opportunity to raise awareness and to promote the need for peace on Radio Miraya,” said Akwale Nhial, a women leader and resident of the local camp for displaced families.
“We are peaceful here in the camp and with the host community. But we need support in terms of our basic needs as well as realizing our hope for lasting peace across South Sudan.”
The Community Conversations Show has been instrumental in creating a safe space where diverse voices from communities across the country can share their issues of concern, aspirations, and hopes for peace.
“We appreciate the effort to bring us together in the pursuit of peace,” explained Nelson Phillip, Mangalla Payam Youth Leader. “We first addressed our problems here in 2024 and this meeting will help ensure we continue to live harmoniously.”
Participants shared the pressing issues facing Mangalla, including the devastating impact of conflict on education.
“Many schools have been destroyed, and floods have damaged those near the river. We need teachers who can impart education and peace to our children. School feeding programs are essential to increase enrolment and teachers and volunteers must be paid,” stressed Athom Mahamud Tombe, the Mangalla Payam Education Officer.
Access to healthcare was also high on the agenda.
“If there is no peace, health services cannot be accessed. Currently, hospitals are functioning, but there are no drugs, no payment for health workers, and a lack of ambulance and medical equipment,” explained Victor Jada, Clinical Officer and Mangalla Payam Health Officer.
Benson John, the Executive Director of Mangalla Town Payam, highlighted the community’s success in celebrating its diversity while embracing unity.
“Mangalla is home to 64 tribes. This unity is what we need with both host communities and displaced people coming together,” he said. “Let us continue to build this relationship to sustain peace and harmony.”
The anniversary of the Community Conversations Show demonstrated how individuals can play a pivotal role in securing peace and development through open dialogue, shared understanding, and collective action.
As the region continues to heal and rebuild, the voices from Mangalla echo a shared hope — that the promise of peace will be delivered and prevail for generations to come in South Sudan.
--
By Taban Geofrey
