Radio Miraya Marks 19 Years of Broadcasting in South Sudan

(Juba) – Radio Miraya, a station widely regarded as one of South Sudan’s most trusted broadcasters, celebrated its 19th anniversary this week with a live event in Juba that brought together fans, students and media professionals from across the country.

The occasion marked the final year of its teenage journey, as it prepares to enter its 20th year of public service broadcasting.

The anniversary was celebrated with a special live broadcast from the Women Union’s Centre in Juba. The event featured music, poetry, reflections and lively interactions between Miraya presenters and the audience, both in person and on air. Listeners from across the country joined the broadcast, calling in and sending messages in real time.

Songs and poems aired during the celebration reflected the history and struggles of the nation, many of them familiar to South Sudanese listeners who have grown up with the station.

Guests shared their memories of how Radio Miraya has played an important role in shaping public opinion and providing accessible news throughout the country’s challenging years.

Laurence Ladu Luka, a volunteer teacher who started listening to Radio Miraya while studying in Yei in 2012, recalled how the station’s programmes influenced his personal growth and awareness.

He singled out shows like the Breakfast Show, Nationwide, and Roundtable Discussions, which encouraged him to follow social, cultural and governance issues more closely. He even recalled being invited once to join a discussion on waste management in Juba.

Younger generations are also embracing the station’s work. Apen Abraham, a senior student at Darling Wisdom Academy, thanked the station for bringing important issues to people in far off villages and towns, noting that “Radio Miraya gives a voice to the voiceless.”

Her classmate, Safa Sarif, said the anniversary broadcast made her realise the importance of radio.

“Now I’m a fan,” she said, proudly displaying a solar powered radio she received at the event.

The solar radios, handed out to attendees, were a reminder of the station’s wide reach across a country where electricity and mobile connectivity remain limited in many regions.

Radio remains the most accessible and trusted medium for reaching rural populations.

Patricia Okoed, Head of Programming at Radio Miraya, noted the station’s significant national coverage.

“We currently reach about 80 per cent of South Sudan’s population, more than any other broadcaster. Our microphones are open to everyone who wants to share what is going on in their lives or communities,” she said.

Radio Miraya is operated by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and was established in 2006. Since then, it has become known for its inclusive programming, covering a wide range of issues from peacebuilding and human rights to health, education and local culture.

The station has maintained a reputation for delivering reliable and neutral information as South Sudan continues to face political, economic and social challenges.