The Chairperson of the Information Committee at the Western Bahr el Ghazal State Legislative Assembly, Joseph Mawut Athain, has called for the expansion of radio coverage and increased training of journalists across South Sudan ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Speaking to Voice of Hope Radio in the lead-up to World Radio Day, Mawut urged the Ministry of Information and the Union of Journalists to strengthen media services nationwide. He emphasized the need to establish new radio stations, particularly in remote areas that currently lack reliable access to information.
Mawut noted that several communities remain underserved, limiting public awareness and effective communication among citizens. He said expanding radio access will be critical in educating voters about their civic responsibilities, including how to participate meaningfully and vote responsibly in the December 2026 polls.
He further appealed to national authorities to prioritize access to information by ensuring radio signals reach all ten states and the three administrative areas. According to him, equitable access to broadcasting services is essential for transparency, public participation, and national unity.
The call was echoed by South Sudan’s Deputy Minister of ICT and Postal Services, David Yau Yau, during World Radio Day celebrations held in Juba.
Deputy Minister Yau Yau reiterated the importance of strengthening radio infrastructure across the country, describing radio as the most accessible and affordable medium for the majority of South Sudanese citizens.
He stressed that expanding radio coverage is not only vital for civic education ahead of the 2026 elections but also for promoting peace, development, and inclusive national dialogue. He encouraged collaboration between the government, development partners, and media stakeholders to improve broadcasting capacity and professional standards within the sector.
World Radio Day is observed globally to highlight the importance of radio as a tool for information dissemination, education, and community engagement. In South Sudan, radio remains a primary source of news and public information, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
Media stakeholders say strengthening nationwide broadcasting will play a key role in ensuring informed citizen participation, fostering accountability, and supporting a credible electoral process in 2026.
