The Abyei Information and Radio Service (AIRS) resumed operations on Friday 11 March after it suspended activities on 5 March due to communal violence in Rumamer County of the Abyei Administrative Area.
Armed youth from Warrap State’s Twic County have since mid last month (February) attacked Ngok Dinka residents in Rumamer where many people were killed and residential areas and markets burnt down.
The Abyei Radio director, Karbino Dut Aguek, told Radio Tamazuj Thursday 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,’’ Dut said. “We have just assigned some journalists who can do the work during the day and go back to Abyei town in the evening.”
Citizens in Aneet and Agok have welcomed the resumption of broadcasts.
“The presence and the operation of the radio give hope to the citizens and they also get information,” Mawein Kiir, a listener, said. “I think it is a good step although the population is not there at the moment because the situation is so volatile.”
Another resident, Nyanbol Alor, said, “It is good for the radio to keep operating so that it can assure the people of safety. It is now is working.”