Abyei Administrative Area, South Sudan
June 3, 2022 — The Abyei Information and Radio Service (AIRS), which operates Abeyi FM 102.3, has announced that the station whose operations were muted last month due to insecurity has gone back on air.
The Radio station was shut down on 17th of May due to the repetition of violence between Twic and Ngok youths.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, one of the senor managers at Abyei FM 102.3, identified himself as Deng Korchek, said the station has opened on a temporary basis for emergency broadcasts because the security situation remains fragile.
“It is confirmed as I speak to you that it (radio) resumed yesterday (Wednesday). We were testing since 31 May and on 1 June it started. The programs start at 6 am in the morning and close at 9 pm,” Deng told media on Thursday.
“It is working 9 hours a day; that is 4 hours in the morning and 5 hours in the evening because this is a temporary and emergency operation”, he added.
The senior journalist revealed that they have minimized working hours at the moment for the safety of their staff but assured that they will fully resume when security situation improves.
“We reduced the working hours because most of our staff are now working in Abyei town and when the security is certain, we will fully resume.”, Deng elaborated.
Listeners were impressed by the news leading to radio resuming broadcasts.
One of the regular radio listeners who was identified as Gadafi Chol in Abyei, said the radio broadcasts promote peace and unity among the people.
“The radio is good because it tells us stories about those whom we do know and it unites the people and clarifies on issues which the people do not understand.” Chol said.
He said he was extremely excited when the radio resumed on Wednesday because he loves listening and get updated about the reliable information about on-going activities, programs and policies in the country.
“I was really happy when it resumed yesterday (Wednesday) because I always love to listen to the radio. The unstable area needs radio to give accurate information about what is going on.”he expressed.
