South Sudan lifts suspension of UN radio operation
South Sudan’s media regulator on Thursday lifted suspension of the operation of the United Nations owned Radio Miraya that came into effect since March 2018.
The lifting of the suspension on came after the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) complied to register under the Media Authority Act, 2013.
Michael Makuei Lueth, Minister of Information and Communication, Technology and Postal Services, said journalists working for the UN radio are now free to cover government activities.
“We are members of the UN, we will definitely abide by whatever is done in the UN but people should conform to the laws of the country in which you are operating,” Makuei said during a joint press conference held with Nicholas Haysom, the head of UNMISS in Juba.
However, the management of Radio Miraya in an earlier protest to the media regulator’s suspension of it’s operation, said it’s operations was covered under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) signed between the government and UN in the wake of South Sudan winning independence from Sudan in 2011.
Elijah Alier Kuai, Managing Director of the South Sudan Media Authority, said Radio Miraya has been granted operational license valid for one year.
“The media authority has lifted the suspension order and restriction enforced on Radio Miraya FM, effective from Thursday, August 03, 2023,” Alier said.
Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary General and head of UNMISS, said the registration was done without prejudice to UN rights under the Status of Forces Agreement signed in 2011 between the government and the UN.
“The resolution is based on the registration of this radio without prejudice of UN rights under the status of forces agreement; it allows and confirms the radio frequency in compliance with domestic communication legislation,” Haysom said.
He said the radio will now continue to serve the people of South Sudan better with independent, impartial, and peaceful podcasts.
Deng Dau Deng, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, commended the important role played by the UN radio in disseminating vital information during the referendums in 2011.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we are pleased to witness this morning the lifting of the suspension order on Radio Miraya FM and the official handover of operational license and frequency ensuring their legitimate operation in the Republic of South Sudan,” Deng said.
