WARRAP - For years, the people of Romich lived in near-complete isolation—no radio, no reliable phone signal, and during the rainy season, no way out.

“When it rains, we are completely cut off,” says Mary Nyak, a local resident. “To make a call, we climb trees, hoping to catch a weak signal. But most of the time, we are left in silence.”

Romich became the county headquarters of Tonj East in 2020, following South Sudan’s peace agreement. But despite its new status, progress remained slow. Roads were barely passable, and frequent communal clashes made travel even riskier.

“If there’s a conflict, the only road to town gets blocked by armed youth,” explains Deng Chol, a trader who has lost goods to roadblocks more times than he can count. Swampy borders with Lakes and Unity states further isolated the town for much of the year. Access to information was nonexistent—until now.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) had been working since 2020 to install a Radio Miraya transmitter in Romich, bringing news, education, and peace messages to a community cut off from the world. But insecurity repeatedly delayed progress. That finally changed in 2025.

The journey to Romich wasn’t just about distance—it was a test of resilience, negotiations, and trust. Since late 2024, armed youth had set up roadblocks, halting humanitarian convoys, including deliveries of food and other assistance. Carrying the long-awaited transmitter, UNMISS peacekeepers became the first team to attempt the route in months.

At Ngabakok, the convoy was stopped by soldiers.

“We set up this roadblock because tensions are still high,” said a South Sudan People’s Defence Forces soldier. “Just days ago, youth tried to seize weapons from us.”

His concerns proved true when, just ahead, an angry group confronted the peacekeepers at another barricade. Hours of negotiations followed before the team was finally allowed through. After an 11-hour journey, the peacekeepers reached Romich—carrying not just equipment but the signal of peace.

Excitement spread across the town. “I don’t know how to express my feelings,” said Joseph Bol, a youth leader. “I’ve been a Radio Miraya listener since 2017, but I always had to travel for hours to hear it. When I heard it was coming to Romich, I had to witness it myself.”

Chiefs, local authorities, and residents gathered in disbelief.

“I’m so happy you are here to implement this project,” said John Akech from the Commissioner’s office. “When we first heard about Radio Miraya, we doubted it was real. But today, we see it with our own eyes.”

For women, the transmitter meant more than just access to news—it gave them a voice.

“Even making a phone call to check on family requires our husbands’ consent,” said Angelina Malual. “I never knew what it felt like to receive information directly. But today, I heard my own voice on the radio for the first time.”

During the inauguration, Taban Geofrey from UNMISS emphasized the significance of this moment.

“With Radio Miraya now in Romich, the people of Tonj East are no longer isolated. You are connected to the rest of the country, to opportunities, and most importantly—to each other.”

With the transmitter on air, the people of Romich could finally speak for themselves. They addressed roadblocks, underaged children carrying weapons, and appealed to neighboring communities for reconciliation. Paramount chiefs from conflicting communities sat together for the first time in years to discuss their role in peacebuilding.

“Traditional leaders hold the key to peace,” said Chief Deng Majok. “If we listen to our people and use dialogue, we can prevent conflicts before they begin. The radio gives us that platform.”

Within hours of the first live broadcast, the same roadblocks that had delayed the peacekeepers were removed.

Reflecting on the transformation, the Tonj East Commissioner Makur Dhuol Ajok remarked: “As you put it, peace begins with access to information. I believe more than half of the people in Tonj East will start their peace journey from here. Since South Sudan gained independence, this is the first time that people in this area are not left behind.”

Now, with Radio Miraya’s signal reaching across Tonj East, Romich is no longer silent. The town’s journey toward peace has begun.