Mayardit 90.7 FM

18/06/2025

Dirty water claims 17 lives in Gogrial West

A girl prepares to collect water in a plastic can in South Sudan, Aug. 19, 2018. In South Sudan, only 10% of the population has access to safely managed and basic sanitation services, according to WHO and UNICEF. | Credit | Courtesy

Authorities in Gogrial West County’s Mabil Payam report that 17 people, including 9 children, have died from diarrhea between March and June 2025, following months of consuming contaminated water.

Residents call for urgent government and humanitarian intervention with clean drinking water to prevent further loss of life.

The alarming deaths are reported across six bomas of Reng Mayen, Wan-gap, Acoth, Majak, Mayen, and Majok, where there are no clean water sources.

“I would like to call for immediate response from anyone to help us for community to have clean drinking water, otherwise we had loss hope of reporting our case without any assistance for over time, “said Bol Arou Mayen, a local chief.

“We thought we would get quick response, but we always get empty promises.”

The situation has left the densely populated payam vulnerable to a widespread health crisis.

According to Arou, the few existing handpumps in the area are either broken or in disrepair. The community, he said, cannot afford the necessary materials for repair.

Wol Anguei, the Mabil youth chairperson, told Mayardit FM 90.7 that only three handpumps serve the entire payam -one of which broke down last month. He called on the government and NGOs, particularly those working in the water sector, to urgently intervene.

In response, Joseph Ngot Ngot, Warrap State’s WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) director, said his office had not yet received a formal report about the crisis. However, he assured that assistance would follow if community leaders submitted a written request.

“It is good if the chiefs or headman write their letter of request and bring it to the office as soon as possible. I will work out and in case there is a way to help them, it will be done immediately,” said Ngot

The community said as the rainy season approaches and waterborne diseases loom, their hope is getting lower every single day.

11/06/2025

Health ministry urges precautions as cholera outbreak claims 185 in Warrap

Health personnel dispose of a cholera-diseased person in Gogrial East, Warrap State on April 22, 2025. | Credit | John Akol Akol/Warrap State Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health in Warrap State has urged the public to take precautions as it intensifies efforts to contain a growing cholera outbreak.

Health officials report a staggering 8, 222 cases statewide.

Lino Nyong Abik, emergency response coordinator in Warrap State, stated that 7,954 recoveries and 185 deaths since the outbreak began in March 2025.

He stressed the need for proper sanitation and hygiene to prevent the spread of the disease.

"Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water. Ensure all utensils are properly sanitized to prevent further transmission," Nyong said in an interview with Mayardit FM.

"Consume food while still hot and drink only boiled water. Anyone experiencing symptoms
like diarrhea should seek medical attention immediately. These precautions are essential
to safeguarding public health."

The most affected areas include Gogrial East, Gogrial West, Tonj North and Twic counties,
where health teams are actively working to contain the spread of the disease.

Authorities stress community involvement in prevention efforts, while health agencies
deploy aid and boost public awareness in hard-hit areas.

10/06/2025

Today, the CEO of The Radio Community, Chris Marol signed a partnership agreement with Concern Worldwide, funded by the World Food Programme (WFP).
The project aims to bridge the information gap between humanitarian actors and the affected population in Aweil West (Wedweil refugees settlement area).
Through listening, informal, one on one and formal focus group meetings and interactive narrowcasting radio programming.
The project will ensure two-way communication by listening to the concerns, questions, and needs of refugees, returnees, host communities.
This milestone was witnessed by Hannah Bolder, Grants Manager and Programme at Concern Worldwide at TRC's office in Juba.
Together, we are amplifying refugees and community voices and improving access to lifesaving information.
Akol Yam 91

10/06/2025

Gogrial man sets house ablaze after domestic dispute

The mother reportedly put her four children in the hut and set it on fire in Gogrial West County on Sunday evening. | Credit | Courtesy
A man in Gogrial East County, Warrap State allegedly set his tukul on fire following a violent disagreement with his wife and sister-in-law, according to the police.

The 48-year-old man, identified as Aguek Yak Deng, reportedly became angry after a dispute with his wife and her sister.

The women are said to have teamed up against him during the confrontation, during which he was struck on the head.

Lt. Thiik Agoth Giir, Deputy Director of the Criminal Investigation Department in Gogrial East, stated that the incident occurred last Friday.

According to Lt. Giir, the dispute began when Deng announced his intention to move in with his second wife, taking several cows with him. This reportedly angered his first wife, leading to a physical fight.

"He was severely beaten and lost consciousness after being struck on the head with a stick by his wife," Lt. Giir explained.

"Believing him to be unconscious or worse, the wife and sister-in-law fled the scene. When he regained consciousness, he was overwhelmed with anger and set both of his tukuls on fire."

The blaze destroyed 62 goats, four sorghum sacks, two sacks of sesame, and two sacks of ground nuts that were stored in one of the huts.

06/06/2025

Warrap State residents voice concerns over governor dismissal and frequent leadership changes


The recent dismissal of Governor Magok Magok Deng and the appointment of Bol Wek Agoth has sparked strong reactions from residents across Warrap State.

The announcement, made on South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) on Wednesday evening has reignited debates around the stability and effectiveness of governance in the region.

Many citizens are calling for longer gubernatorial terms, arguing that frequent changes hinder development and disrupt the delivery of essential services.

"Frequent leadership changes promote corruption," said Santos Madit Aguer. “When a governor knows they could be dismissed at any time, they’re less likely to prioritize public service. They start working for themselves rather than the people."

Residents are urging the national government to ensure governors are given sufficient time at least three to four years to implement policies, manage projects, and address the state’s challenges. Short terms, they say, result in wasted resources and stalled development.

"Three months is not enough," said Ajak Maring Ajak, a resident of Turalei.

"Governors need more time to roll out development plans. We’ve had more than seven governors between 2024 and 2025 that’s too many,” he added.

Mam Bol Bol from Gogrial West County emphasized the damaging impact of repeated leadership turnover on community morale and trust.

"When governors come and go quickly, they bring personal agendas instead of addressing community needs. Leaders should be warned and given a chance to improve before being replaced."

Aker Makuac Mayom, a resident of Kacbeek village in Twic County, added that, "Let’s give leaders enough time to prove themselves at least three years. Frequent removals prevent any real understanding of Warrap’s problems."

The voices from Warrap State reflect a broader demand for governance reforms that promote consistency, accountability, and development.

As Bol Wek Agoth assumes office, citizens hope his tenure will mark the beginning of a more stable and effective leadership era in the state.

27/05/2025

Man kills pregnant wife in Gogrial East


Police in Gogrial East County, Warrap State, are holding a man accused of killing his pregnant wife in Laidiit village, Manyang Payam, on Saturday.

According to Lt. Thiik Agoth Giir, the Deputy Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Gogrial East, the suspect had returned home at around 5PM from a neighbor’s house where he had been working.

Upon arrival, he allegedly stabbed his six-month-pregnant wife, 28-year-old Apiny Angok Ring, in the stomach following a brief exchange of words.

“He came back to his house feeling unhappy. His wife asked him, ‘Why are you unhappy?’ He replied, ‘Someone insulted me.’ Then he went into the tukul, took out his spears and stabbed his wife in the stomach,” Giir said.

Apiny died on the spot, leaving behind three children, one boy and two girls.

Police say the motive remains unclear, though the suspect was reportedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.

Mayol Thor Yol, aged 35, was arrested and is currently in custody at Luonyaker police station, facing investigation for allegedly killing his pregnant wife.

This is not the first incident of a husband killing his wife in Gogrial East. Mayardit FM has reported several such cases, and although arrests have been made, none of the husbands have been sentenced or tried for these crimes.

26/05/2025

Police search for Wunrok mother of dumped newborn


Police search for Wunrok mother of dumped newborn
Police in Wunrok in Twic County, Warrap State, are searching for the mother of a newborn baby boy found dumped in a garden over the weekend. The baby was discovered on Saturday at around 8 PM in a Mango tree garden in Wunrok town.

LT. Colonel Atem Deng Atem, the Inspector of Police in Wunrok Payam, said the baby was found alive by residents and was immediately referred to MSF Hospital for care until the mother is traced.

“A baby was put down, the umbilical cord was cut, and there was no placenta. I struggled at night to take the baby to the hospital. I gave the baby to the policewoman, and she took the baby to MSF hospital. The mother is not known,” said Atem.

He urged the public to assist the police in locating the mother.

In a similar incident earlier this year in March, a newborn was found dumped in the grass at the Mayen Abun area, and the mother has not been traced to this day.

Both babies are being cared for by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) at the hospital in Mayen Abun.

26/05/2025

Management appeals: Help us get Akol Yam FM back on air

The management of The Radio Community, which runs Akol Yam 91 FM, is urgently appealing for support to bring the station back on air after its 72-meter transmission mast was destroyed by a thunderstorm in Aweil, Northern Bahr el Ghazal.

On Sunday, a strong thunderstorm brought down the mast of Akol Yam FM, a local language community radio station. The station is a crucial lifeline for thousands across Northern Bahr el Ghazal and neighboring areas.

“One of the guy wires snapped, and in a heart-wrenching moment, the mast crumpled twisting into broken sections and crashing onto nearby Tukuls. Miraculously, no one was hurt,” said Chris Marol, the Chief Executive Officer of The Radio Community.

“But the mast, the very heartbeat of Akol Yam FM was destroyed.”

For years, Akol Yam 91FM has functioned as a trusted companion, delivering independent news, humanitarian updates, health information, civic education, and peacebuilding messages to a region where radio is often the only reliable source of information.

Akol Yam 91 FM serves over half a million listeners, including vulnerable communities and refugees, many of whom live in areas with no internet or television access.

“Without Akol Yam FM, these communities are plunged into an information blackout left without guidance, connection, or trusted updates,” Marol said.

According to Chris Marol, the collapse of the mast didn’t just end programming, it severed a critical link for remote villages depending on broadcast communication, ongoing civic education and peace efforts, lifesaving health alerts and humanitarian messages and emergency updates during conflict or disaster

To rebuild, restore, and return to the airwaves, Akol Yam 91FM requires $200,000 to get back on air.

“This is a call to all partners, friends of free and independent media, humanitarian agencies, and anyone who believes in the power of trusted information, your support will help reconnect half a million people to the stories, programs, and messages they rely on,” Marol added.

The funds will be used to Procure and install a new 72-meter mast Purchase a new 8-way antenna system, RF cables, and tower lighting, reinforce the mast foundation to withstand future storms, reconnect broadcast systems and safety gear, train local technical teams in emergency response and maintenance.

Donation information

To support the rebuilding of Akol Yam FM's transmission mast, funds can be sent through The Radio Community's bank account at Ecobank South Sudan, the parent organization that manages Akol Yam FM.

Banking Details:
Bank Name: Ecobank South Sudan Limited
Account Number: 6940014697
Account Name: The Radio Community
SWIFT Code: ECOCSSJB
Payment Reference: Please use "Akol Yam FM Mast Rebuild Support" as payment reference.

Contact information:
Chris Marol Maker, CEO, The Radio Community/Akol Yam FM
Phone: +211923081035
Email: [email protected]

21/05/2025

President Salva Kiir restructured the senior leadership of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) on Tuesday, appointing Vice President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel as the new first deputy chairman. He replaces Dr. James Wani Igga, a long-serving veteran of the party.

21/05/2025

ICPAC calls for early action ahead of JJAS rains

press the link below for more information

The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) is calling on regional and national authorities across the Greater Horn of Africa (GHA) to take proactive steps following the release of its June to September (JJAS) seasonal forecast during the 70th Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook F...

20/05/2025

Warrap wildlife officers lose 109 guns, sellers risk jail


At least 109 AK47 rifles are missing from wildlife officers in Warrap State. Authorities are appealing for their return and warning that those who sold their guns will face a 5-year jail term and a 10-cow fine.

According to LT. Colonel Malith Marac Mawien, Deputy Director of the department, the rifles disappeared under unclear circumstances and ended up in the hands of civilians.

“We have lost 109 weapons. some disappeared from wildlife and joined the army, while others remained in homes with civilians. Some relatives of the deceased came and asked for the salary. When we ask about the guns of the deceased personnel, the relatives say they don’t know the whereabouts of the weapons,” Mawien said.

Mawien revealed that among the missing rifles, 12 belonged to personnel who died while off-duty, and their relatives did not report the guns to the Wildlife Department.

Mawien issued a strict one-month deadline for personnel to report any missing rifles or face legal action.

"I want to tell them that if there is anyone who has lost a gun in Gogrial East, Twic, Gogrial West, Tonj, or anywhere else, they must report themselves within one month,” he said.

In addition to this ultimatum, Mawien warned that any personnel found guilty of selling the missing weapons would face penalties, including a five-year prison sentence, dismissal, and a fine of 10 cows, equivalent to the price of a rifle.

19/05/2025

Activist urges Kiir to end inter-communal killing in Warrap


Activist urges Kiir to end inter-communal killing in Warrap
Edmund Yakani, civil society activist and executive director of Community Empowerment for Progress (CEPO), met with President Salva Kiir on Wednesday, January 24, 2024. | Credit | PPU
An activist has called on President Salva Kiir to take immediate action to end the rising inter-communal violence in Warrap State, following Saturday’s attack in Ngapagok, Tonj East County, which left four people dead and 16 others injured.

Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), condemned the killings and said that although the violence is often labeled as inter-communal or revenge-related, it is politically driven and poses a serious threat to civilian lives and property.

“These deadly incidents are very bad and are making our citizens pay a high price for things that do not benefit any of the warring parties among the communities, though we term them as intercommunal violence or revenge attack, they are politically motivated,” Yakani stated.

Yakani called for urgent intervention from the highest office, stressing that the people of Warrap cannot continue suffering while the violence persists.

“I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to his excellency president the situation of Warrap state require robust response because we are losing innocent lives of citizens, we have seen destruction of property, and this means a lot in terms of safety and security and protection of civilians in Warrap state particularly Tonj region,” Yakani said.

Yakani urged the Warrap governor to take a proactive approach and called on communities to resolve differences peacefully, not through violence.

“I think the governor needs to take a proactive role and to ensure that this violence is stopped and I like to urge the communities who are conflicting in Warrap state and specifically the bell of Tonj to abstain from using violence as a way of resolving their differences. You better resolve your differences through dialogue,” he added.

The activist stated that CEPO is documenting the situation and will eventually hold accountable those fueling the violence, regardless of rank.

“We are watching, we are documenting, one day, one time we will name those individuals who are fueling this violence in the region of Tonj and specifically in Warrap state. So, we like to appeal to you as our leaders that abstain yourself from fueling violence on the ground. Whoever you are, whatever rank you are holding, whatever political title you're holding, you are not above the law,” he warned.

Warrap State, the home of President Salva Kiir, has long been plagued by cycles of revenge attacks, particularly in the counties of Gogrial, Twic, and Tonj.

These clashes are believed to have often been fueled by politicians who arm their supporters under the pretext of protecting livestock from cattle raiders.