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S. Sudanese girls demand equitable access to education

S. Sudanese girls demand equitable access to education - The Radio Community

Gen. Akol dissatisfied with his appointment revocation

Gen. Akol dissatisfied with his appointment revocation - The Radio Community

Revocation of Akol's appointment disappoints some Warrap residents

The revocation of Gen. Akol Koor Kuc's appointment as governor has elicited a variety of responses from residents of different counties in Warrap State.

Many residents were anticipating substantial changes in the state, particularly in light of persistent concerns such as communal violence, revenge killings, cattle raiding, land disputes, and road ambushes.

In addition, there is a strong desire for infrastructure enhancements, as the highways that connect Warrap to neighboring areas, such as Abyei, Aweil, and Wau, have significantly deteriorated.

Samuel Yai Majook, a resident of Wunrok town in Twic County, emphasized that citizens should not criticize the presidency and should adhere to government directives, irrespective of their personal opinions.

"We feel voiceless because our government ignores our voices and requests. As citizens, we have little choice in this situation but to follow where they lead us,” Yai told Mayardit FM.

Another resident, Achuil Arou from Ngap Athian Payam in Gogrial West County, expressed discontent upon hearing about the removal of Gen. Akol Koor Kuc through a presidential decree.

Achuil noted that they had been celebrating Akol's appointment, hopeful it would bring about lasting peace to Warrap State.

"We were expecting positive changes with the appointment of a true son of Warrap State to lead us,” he explained.

“Unfortunately, upon hearing about his removal, we have lost hope in the government due to this unexpected action."

For his part, Achuil Machar Toc, a resident of Mangol Payam in Gogrial East County, shared his frustration, stating that appointed leaders have let down their supporters and that they would not support them in future elections.

Machar said: “We need leaders who represent the people, not those who pursue their own interests."

Gen. Akol Koor Kuc was initially appointed governor by President Salva Kiir earlier this month after he was relieved of his position as director-general of the Internal Security Bureau within the National Security Service.

Surprisingly, President Kiir revoked his appointment and appointed Francis Marial Abur as the new governor last evening.

New Warrap State governor urged to address intercommunal violence

Some Warrap paramount chiefs have urged the new governor, Gen. Akol Koor, to prioritize resolving intercommunal disputes that threaten the state's stability.

In Warrap State, the counties of Twic, Apuk, Kuac, Aguok, and Tonj have often had conflicts linked to politicians who allegedly arm their supporters to protect livestock from cattle raiders.

Competition for resources, like grazing lands, exacerbates these tensions.

Early this month, President Salva Kiir relieved Gen. Akol Koor Kuc from his position as director-general of the Internal Security Bureau (ISB) within the National Security Service (NSS).

Gen. Akol, who has held the security chief post since 2011, will now serve as Warrap State's new governor, replacing Kuol Muor Muor.

Kuol assumed office in late 2023, following the departure of Manhiem Bol Malek, who was also unable to stem ongoing violence and instability in the state.

Akol, who awaits swearing in, is expected to use his security expertise to address ongoing intercommunal violence and political unrest as governor.

Speaking at the reception of the new governor at Juba International Airport, Peter Malok Wol, one of the paramount chiefs, expressed optimism that peace will prevail in the state.

“First and foremost, I would like to thank President Salva Kiir for appointing Akol Koor. I would like to thank SPLM. His coming will change what is killing us. Some people use force to grab people’s belongings as theirs,” Malok told Radio Community in an interview on Wednesday.

“I am hopeful that his coming will bring peace. We the chiefs will come together and resolve our differences. We shall work together to avoid more deaths and grabbing.”

Malok believes that once stability is attained, it will improve the lives of the local communities.

“Sickness can kill people simple because of insecurity but when peace comes, a car can travel easily and carry sick person. Food will be eased to get when there is good security. I am very hopeful that conflicts will stop,” Malok explained.

“There is nothing that can’t be changed. Green book can bring stability. People who commit crimes must be brought to book using the green book.”

Meanwhile, Arol Bol Arol, another paramount chief, urged the local government to redouble efforts in carrying out disarmament.

“Cattle raiding and possession of guns are the major things that cause conflict in the state. There is need for disarmament,” Bol emphasized.

Angelina Teny tasks new spy chief with election readiness

Angelina Teny tasks new spy chief with election readiness - The Radio Community

Police hold two company workers for embezzling SSP2.9 million in Twic

Two young men have been apprehended by the police in Twic County, Warrap State, on suspicion of embezzling SSP2,930,000 from the Rial Kuei money transfer company at Wunrok market.

The suspects: Kuethpiny Deng Yai, 24; Mum Tong Deng, 21, are employees of the company.

The incident took place on Tuesday evening when the pair reportedly appropriated the money, which is roughly equivalent to $600.

Col. Atem Deng Atem, the police inspector in Wunrok Town, stated that the bank and safe box were left unlocked after the suspects left to watch a football game.

He also noted that the suspects handed their keys to a neighbor before departing for the game.

“It is very impossible that money is stolen in the bank while the door and the safe box were not broken into,” Col. Atem told Mayardit FM.

The police asserted that the suspects could still be held accountable for their negligence, even if they might not have pilfered the money.

The official declared that the two will appear in court following the conclusion of the investigation.

Kiir swears in new spy chief

Kiir swears in new spy chief - The Radio Community President Salva Kiir has sworn in Akec Tong Aleu as the new Director General of the Internal Security Bureau, a key intelligence agency within the National Security Service (NSS).

Tonj North clashes: UNMISS helps airlift the injured

At least 13 individuals who sustained injuries during the most recent intercommunal conflict in Tonj North have been reportedly evacuated to Juba and Wau.

Officials say this was done by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, in collaboration with state authorities in Warrap.

According to reports, the Pankuei and Panrek clans in Alebek Payam continued their revenge attack last week, killing 20 people.

“Six patients are from Pankuei and seven from Panrek,” Daniel Mangar Ayiei told Mayardit FM on Friday.

Only 13 of the 37 injured people, according to the acting county commissioner, have received further treatment in Wau and Juba.

This is because, he disclosed, some of the injured persons are in hiding for fear of arrest by the government.

The latest fighting is believed to be a revenge for the killing of three young men—Madit Mawien Ateek, 30; Atek Arop Them Angui; and Akech Mou Akech, 28—in June 2024.

On Tuesday, the area police inspector said relative calm had returned to Alebek Payam after the deployment of forces in the area.

Warrap expects new governor to prioritize peace, security

Some residents of Warrap State say their new governor should give peace and security top priority.
On Wednesday, President Salva Kiir relieved state governor Kuol Muor Muor through a republican decree.

In another decree announced on the state-run SSBC television, Kiir removed Gen. Akol Koor Kuc from his position as director-general of the Internal Security Bureau (ISB) within the National Security Service (NSS).

He was also reappointed governor of Warrap State.

A Tonj East County resident, commenting on the appointment, says he expects the new governor to address issues facing people in the state, including intercommunal clashes.

“I welcome the appointment of Akol Koor because this period needs his presence among us,” Dominic Matong Deng told Mayardit FM.

There have been reports of renewed intercommunal clashes in Tonj East and Tonj North counties. Retaliation attacks and cattle raiding trigger the clashes.

On Tuesday, a fighting in Ngap Agok Payam, Tonj East County, claimed at least 20 lives.

For his part, Matong argued that for Akol to restore law and order in the state, he should closely work with the traditional authorities, particularly in disarming the youth.

“But he will not succeed if the community leaders and politicians of Warrap cannot support him and his leadership in collecting the arms from the civilians,” he added.

Another resident expressed satisfaction with the appointment, saying he now anticipates service delivery.

“His term needs a little extension, at least five years, to allow the governor to deliver services and engage in developmental projects,” said Makat Yach, a Twic County resident.

Meanwhile, Angelo Mawien Lual, a resident of Turalei town in Twic County, appealed to the new governor to improve insecurity.

He said, “This appointment is in the right place. The people of Warrap State are in most need of strong leaders who can stop the ongoing crisis, especially instability related to the killing of innocent children, elderly, and women as part of the abuse of human rights in the state.”

Gen. Akol Koor Kuc will be the fifth governor of Warrap State upon taking the oath of office.

Advocacy group urges gov’t to prioritize key chapters in R-ARCSS - The Radio Community Advocacy group urges gov’t to prioritize key chapters in R-ARCSS

Tonj East clashes leave 20 dead

Intercommunal fighting in Ngap Agok Payam of Tonj East County, Warrap State, has claimed at least 20 deaths and injured six others.
According to a local official, the incident occurred when suspected armed men from the Luacjang and Thiik sections launched an attack against the Akok section on Tuesday.

Daniel Machar Chibek, administrator of Ngap Agok Payam, said the deceased are only from the Akok section, and the casualties on the attackers' side remain unknown.

Machar reported the destruction of multiple houses, health facilities, drug looting, and vandalism at a WFP facility.

“The attackers burned houses; drugs were looted from a health facility and destroyed,” he told Mayardit FM on Thursday.

Machar stated that it is unclear why the two sections launched the joint attack, but that the same sections carried out similar attacks against Akok in September.

News Archives - The Radio Community The Radio Community (TRC) is leading the way in providing independent, ethical and professional journalism in South Sudan.

MDI suffers Media Authority suspension, registration, and funding challenges - The Radio Community MDI suffers Media Authority suspension, registration, and funding challenges

Tonj North asks state to help prevent Alebek further fighting

Officials in Tonj North County are urging the state government to intervene in the ongoing intercommunal conflict in Alebek Payam.

On Saturday, fighting erupted between two sections of the Pankuei and Panarek clans, leaving at least 20 people dead from both sides.

It is believed to be a revenge for the killing of three young men—Madit Mawien Ateek, 30; Atek Arop Them Angui; and Akech Mou Akech, 28—in June 2024.

Since then, the crimes against the three men from Panarek have not resulted in any arrests or punishment.

The incident, according to Col. Bak Anei Ayiei, chief inspector of police in Tonj North County, is a continuation of the revenge attack that killed three people from both sides in February of this year.

He urged the state government to airlift security officers to calm the situation, as the area has been shut off by flash floods.

"Some police officers are there, but the two clans may bypass them and resume fighting if there are no large forces this week. The government should use helicopters to airlift forces,” Col. Anei said.

Attempts to contact concerned institutions in Warrap State for comment were not immediately

Lightning strike claims life in Gogrial East

Police in Gogrial East County, Warrap State, say lightning struck and killed a young man over the weekend.
Lightning hit Mawien Madut Bol as he was returning home at Matiel village, Luonyaker Payam.

According to Lt. Col. Majok Bol, police inspector, the 35-year-old man was a businessperson—a livestock dealer.

According to him, Mawien was a dedicated father of three children and a hardworking businessman who ran a livestock trading business to support his family.“He was an important figure to the community because of his contributions to the community,” Bol told Mayardit FM on Monday.

Lighting strike is an occasion when lightning (= a flash of bright light in the sky that is produced by electricity moving between clouds or from clouds to the ground) hits something.

When lightning strikes a person directly, they become part of the main lightning discharge channel. Most often, direct strikes occur to victims in open areas.

Studies show that only about 10% of lightning strikes result in death, leaving 90% with various degrees of disability.

Common injuries caused by lightning include muscle pains, broken bones, cardiac arrest, confusion, hearing loss, seizures, burns, behavioral changes, and ocular cataracts.

Lightning kills an estimated 24,000 people worldwide each year.

Commemoration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information Ms. Ayaa Irene, Director of the Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS) speaks during the Commemoration of the International Day for Univer...

Commemoration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information Mr. Julius Banda, UNESCO Representative speaks during the Commemoration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information

Activist condemns Dr. John Garang Memorial Park's incident.

A civil society activist has issued a condemnation of the reported mistreatment of a female lawmaker by soldiers who were manning the Dr. John Garang Memorial Park on Monday morning.

The unidentified lawmaker, who was en route to the parliament, opted to take a detour through the Mausoleum, accompanied by two men who escaped undetected by the security personnel.

Jackline Nasiwa, executive director of the Center for Inclusive Governance, Peace, and Justice, stated in an exclusive interview with The Radio Community that the use of violence to resolve conflicts is incorrect.

Activist condemns Dr. John Garang Memorial Park's incident - The Radio Community Activist condemns Dr. John Garang Memorial Park's incident

SSPDF probes deadly Juba-Nimule highway attack
The spokesperson of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces has confirmed a deadly attack on a bus traveling along the Juba-Nimule highway this morning.

The Babeto bus reportedly left Juba for Kampala this morning but fell in an ambush at Lakarakak between Nyerbede and Kubi, the official stated.

"There was an ambush at a public bus at Nyerbede, but we lack accurate information about the identity of the attackers and how many were injured or killed," Maj. Gen. L*l Ruai said.

The SSPDF spokesperson disclosed that the military authorities have dispatched security forces to the location to assess the situation.

After the investigations, L*l promised to keep the public informed.

Four Gogrial West men turn down appointments

The recently designated paramount chief of the Kuac Ayook Community in Gogrial West, as well as three executive chiefs, have declined their posts.

On Tuesday, Warrap State Governor Kuol Muor Muor dismissed four traditional leaders in Kuac North Payam.

These are Paramount Chief Joseph Kuol Amet Kuol and executive chiefs Wol Mathuc Wol, Madol Aken Kuot, and Deng Ajiek Agoth from Lukluk, Mathiangdit, Angui, and Mathiang Monyjooc bomas, respectively.

“[This was] due to their failure to comply with the state government’s directives,” reads a letter obtained by Mayardit FM.

In the letter, Governor Muor replaced Kuol with Mathiang Akech Amet, Wol with Madut Ngong Ngong, Madol with Mathuc Madol Kuot, and Deng with Ajiek Ajiek Agoth.

Four Gogrial West men turn down appointments - The Radio Community Four Gogrial West men turn down appointments

Warrap gov't faces lawsuit over extrajudicial killing

The paramount chief of the Kuac Community in Warrap has threatened to sue the state government over an unlawful ex*****on of a suspect in June.

The deceased, Lual Ngong Thor, was sentenced to death by firing squad on June 8, 2024, after being accused of causing the tragic death of a 13-year-old boy.

The boy was killed by an old gr***de found at Thang-ngok village in Kuac North Payam.

Reports show that the gr***de belonged to the accused, a cattle keeper, but was discovered by four children, who then played with it under a tree.

In a tragic turn of events, they struck the gr***de, causing it to detonate and killing the youngster instantly due to his serious injuries.

According to Advocate Gabriel Kuot Akok, Chief Joseph Kuol Amet Kuol's legal representative, Lual was taken to the Kuacjok police station after the incident and detained while preliminary investigations were conducted.

The 29-year-old man was then moved to the Angui military barracks, where he was killed immediately, with no inquiry done.

Warrap gov't faces lawsuit over extrajudicial killing - The Radio Community Warrap gov't faces lawsuit over extrajudicial killing

Soldier dies in Aneet shop collapse

A shop collapse in the disputed Aneet area has resulted in the death of one individual and the injury of another, an official has said.

The event took place in Aneet town on Wednesday afternoon following a prolonged rainfall in the area.

“A shop build of mad collapse on two soldiers who were inside the shop, killing one person immediately and the other person sustain injuries,” said Maj.-Gen. Joseph Kuai Ajak, commander of the joint operation forces in Aniet.

He identified the deceased as Lual Chol Lual, 38—a private from national security.

Meanwhile, Lual Udong Lual, 35, a private from the National Police Services, sustained injuries to the thigh and leg. He is receiving treatment at the MSF hospital in Abyei.

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The Commander Major General Joseph Kuai Ajak and his team are committed to maintaining peace, security, and the well-being of both Twic and Ngok communities.
We would like to inform the community about an upcoming event that may cause some concern but poses no threat to your safety.
SSPDF Commander Major General Joseph Kuai Ajak in Aneet has urged both communities not to be alarmed when hearing gunfire later this evening, around 7:30 PM to 8: pm on Thursday, August 1, 2024.
The purpose of this gunfire is to ensure the proper functioning of different types of big guns.
These controlled firings are essential for regular maintenance and testing procedures.
We assure you that all necessary precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of everyone in the vicinity. We understand that sudden loud noises can be distressing, but we want to emphasize that there is no immediate danger associated with these gunshots. The event is purely for functional purposes and should not cause any harm or disruption to the community.

Two 'wicked' Twic sisters confine child in suitcase

Alek lives at her uncle's house after her father was killed in the Twic-Ngok conflict in 2023. Her mother remarried. | Credit | Courtesy

Police in Twic County, Warrap State, have detained two sisters for reportedly beating and confining a three-year-old girl in a suitcase.

Agor Akoon Nyon, 19, and her 11-year-old sister committed the alleged crime at Awunyir village, Akoc Payam, on Saturday.

1st Lt. Ngor Agoth Akiech, inspector of police in Akoc Payam, says Agor beat Alek Deng Majok, put her in the suitcase, and went to the neighbors.
According to Agoth, one of the relatives discovered the child and informed the authorities about it.

“The clothes were removed from the suitcase, and the baby was put inside and tied with a belt,” Agoth told Mayardit FM.

"They rushed the unconscious child to the hospital, where she later regained consciousness."

Alek's father was killed in the Twic-Ngok conflict in 2023, and her mother remarried recently.

As a result, Alek's unnamed uncle, who happens to be Agor's husband, had to bring her to his home to care for her.

The police officer also disclosed that the 11-year-old suspect was arrested for tying Alek's legs and hanging her on a tree two months ago—an act which was not reported to the police at the time.

“When people came by, she ran away, and the case was not reported to police because the family wanted to be solved at home," he explained.

"So, we arrested her today because their act with her sister is one, and the reason they want to do this shall be investigated by the police."

South Sudan’s Child Act 2008 provides for protection of children from torture, degrading treatment and corporal punishment.

“The Government shall take concrete measures to protect children from all forms of abuse and to ensure that any child who becomes the victim of abuse, as set out in this section shall be accorded appropriate treatment and rehabilitation,” reads Article 22 (1).

The two sisters are expected to be arraigned soon.

After 3-day training for Journalists at Mayardit 90.7 FM in Warrap State.
The initiative was from AMDISS, with support from USAID South Sudan through ,
The training focused on developing skills in station management, program development, production, and editorial values.
The aim of this initiative is to strengthen the operational capabilities and program production

Thanks to Apamaku the consultant for successfully training