Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS) has joined the chorus of civil society calling on authorities in Jonglei State to reopen Radio Jonglei, abruptly shut down this week.
The station, broadcasting at 95.9 FM in Bor, was closed on Sunday after it aired a song that addressed ongoing intercommunal conflicts in the state. Authorities claimed that the song could incite violence.
In response to the closure, the radio station’s management issued a public apology and urged state officials to restore its operations.
In a statement, AMDISS also urged authorities to allow the radio to come back on air.
“Mistakes happen and this incident was unintentional, particularly in light of the current difficult time when Jonglei State is grappling with inter-communal violence,” the statement partly read.
The media advocacy body expressed that the closure has left a void in the community that relies on the radio for essential information.
“Shutting down operational radio station like Radio Jonglei deprives communities of essential information, leaving them in the dark at a time when communication is most needed,” it read.
“We strongly urge the Jonglei State authorities to reconsider this decision and allow Radio Jonglei to resume broadcasting immediately. At this critical juncture, the people of Jonglei State need voices of unity, not silence,’’ it added.
AMDISS further called on the state government to transfer the case involving the radio station to the Media Authority, which is responsible for managing media issues in accordance with the law.
As Jonglei State continues to struggle with intercommunal violence and insecurity, the need for reliable information and constructive dialogue is critical.
AMDISS stated that the current environment demands constant communication to promote understanding and reconciliation among communities.
It noted that the station has fostered constructive dialogue, informed citizens, and served as a platform for reconciliation.
This is not the first time Radio Jonglei has faced closure; in May 2022, the station was briefly shut down for failing to broadcast a speech by then-Governor Denay Jock Chagor, an action that drew national criticism.
