Abyei, South Sudan
March 18, 2022 —The Abyei Information and Radio Service (AIRS) resumed operations on Friday last week after it was temporarily closedown following rampant inter-communal violence in Rumamer County of the Abyei Administrative Area.
Armed youth from Warrap State’s Twic County have been attacking Ngok Dinka residents in Rumamer since mid of February and left more than 50 people dead, and residential areas and markets burnt down.
In a statement seen by Nyamilepedia, the Abyei Radio director, Karbino Dut Aguek, says that the station in the Agok town resumed normal operations and that journalists work during the day and leave for Abyei in the evening as a precautionary measure to protect staff and property.
“Yes, the radio station resumed work on Friday last week and all the devices were restored and installed, we have just assigned some journalists who can do the work during the day and go back to Abyei town in the evening.” Dut said on Thursday.
According to Dut, citizens in Aneet and Agok have applauded and welcomed the resumption of broadcasts.
“The presence and the operation of the radio give hope to the citizens and they also get information,. “I think it is a good step although the population is not there at the moment because the situation is so volatile.”said one of Radio listeners identified as Mawein Kiir.
Another resident, Nyanbol Alor, said it’s crucial that the radio resumed so that it serve citizens with reliable information.
“It is good for the radio to keep operating so that it can assure the people of safety. It is now is working.”,Alor said.
Abyei Radio was shutdown on 5th of March 2022 in the wake of inter-communal conflicts between Armed Youth in Rumamer County of Abyei Administrative Area and Youth from Twic County of Warrap State.
Abyei also suffered deadly attack from the Misseriya community from neighboring Sudan leaving doubts if these attacks were coordinated or they are coincidental.
