13 February 2015 - A radio station aimed at promoting peaceful co-existence among displaced communities recently went on air in the UNMISS protection site in the Upper Nile State capital Malakal.

Internews, an international non-profit media organization, launched “Nile Radio”, which broadcasts on 98.0 FM and covers the whole of Malakal town as well as surrounding areas like Wau Chollo, Canal, Akoka and Anakdier.

“Our focus is to inform internally displaced persons (IDPs) about matters related to peace and reconciliation as well as awareness campaigns (on a range of other issues),” said station director Dau Nyok Chol. “Radio plays a critical role especially in this era (when) the country (is faced with) a lot of challenges … related to peace building among communities that (have been) torn apart by war.”

In addition to encouraging peaceful coexistence, the radio will also relay information on gender-based violence and awareness about HIV and AIDS using local languages, he added.

Mr. Chol revealed that Nile Radio was currently mainly broadcasting in Arabic to reach IDPs, but it would use English as the second language. There were also long- term plans to broadcast in other local languages.

“Radio messages generate hope in people’s hearts and minds (and the radio also provides) music and entertainment as well,” said Sebit Belal, a Nile Radio listener in the protection site, which is hosting over 20,000 IDPs.

Listeners in the protection site noted that although Malakal town is dominantly covered by two other radio stations, Radio Miraya and Voice of Love, the new Nile Radio in the protection site would play a vital role in engaging IDPs on issues affecting them.

“Gender-based violence cases reduced dramatically after the spread of messages over radio since the 98.0FM is broadcasting the messages on daily basis,” said another IDP, Nyasabit Simon.