World Radio Day: UNESCO is rebuilding radio and reconnecting communities in South Sudan

 UNESCO and partners in South Sudan are enhancing access to information for communities across the country. With support from the Government of Japan, five community and local radio stations are being renovated and rebuilt.

In South Sudan, radio remains one of the most important and reliable ways people access information. Across towns and counties, it carries news, public announcements, local conversations, and music in many of the country’s languages. Travelling across the country can be difficult and internet access remains limited, but radio airwaves continue to connect communities in ways few other communications platforms can.

This year’s World Radio Day comes at a significant moment. South Sudan continues to navigate the effects of conflict, economic crises, climate shocks, and displacement, even as efforts toward peace and sustainable development move forward.

In a country still grappling with conflict, radio plays an important role in promoting peace and encouraging dialogue within and between communities. With national elections scheduled for December 2026, access to accurate and trusted information is increasingly important, enabling citizens to engage meaningfully in a key democratic process.

Community radio is coming to Terekeka County

In Central Equatoria, work has begun in Terekeka County to establish the area’s first community radio station. UNESCO recently handed over the designated site where a currently unused building will be transformed into Terekeka Community Radio in the coming months.

Community representatives attended the site handover to contractors in January 2026, including members of the Commissioner’s office, radio board members, station volunteers, elders, youth leaders, and women leaders.

Terekeka County is home to diverse communities, many of them pastoralist, with cattle camps spread across the area. For its residents, a community radio station will help connect communities that are often separated by distance and limited transport. It will also create a space for discussions about farming, livelihoods, education, and other local concerns to take place within the county itself.

Even before construction began, preparations were underway. UNESCO supported the establishment of a governance board and listener club and trained young volunteers who will help manage and operate the station. Volunteers noted the training strengthened their technical skills and confidence, and they expressed hope that once the station is operational, it will improve access to information and contribute to greater stability in the area.

“We have been waiting for this moment for a long time, and now we are ready to put our skills into practice to serve our community better,” said Mr. Jelle Makasi.

Restoring state broadcasting in Malakal

Further north in Upper Nile State, UNESCO and partners are rebuilding a local radio station from the ground up.

Media infrastructure in Malakal was severely damaged during the 2013 conflict, including the buildings of the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation’s radio and television services. More than a decade later, communities continue to face challenges linked to limited infrastructure, displacement, and periodic insecurity.

Rebuilding SSBC’s radio station marks an important step in restoring public service broadcasting in the state.

Breaking ground on the site recently, Deputy Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services David Yauyau emphasized the role of the station in supporting communities:

“Malakal has shown incredible resilience. Today, we are signaling to the people of Upper Nile that they are at the heart of our digital and telecommunications agenda. This radio station will serve as a mirror, reflecting local culture, languages, and stories. It will act as a bridge, connecting development directly to farmers, youth, and elders. It will also serve as a shield, protecting citizens from misinformation and hate speech.”

UNESCO Representative to South Sudan, Yayoi Segi-Vltchek, reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to enhancing access to information and strengthening media development across the country:

“In South Sudan, access to reliable and timely information is not a luxury, it is essential – and radio plays a vital role in society. It informs, connects, and creates space for women, young people, and marginalized communities to be heard. It also supports dialogue and helps communities navigate periods of change with greater confidence.” 

Expanding access across the country

Radio renovations are also progressing in other parts of South Sudan. In Western Bahr El Ghazal State, work has started at SSBC’s radio station in Wau. In Yambio, upgrades are underway to strengthen local broadcasting facilities. At the University of Juba, two studios are being renovated to support the university’s official radio station and provide media and journalism students with a practical space to build their skills.

As South Sudan prepares for the 2026 elections, radio will continue to play a central role in informing citizens, supporting dialogue, and strengthening access to reliable information across the country.