The Abyei Information and Radio Service (AIRS) which operates Abeyi FM 102.3 has announced that the radio whose operations were suspended last month due to insecurity has said the radio resumed broadcasts on Wednesday.
The station was closed on 17 May due to the resumption of clashes between Twic and Ngok youths.
One of the managers at Abyei FM 102.3, Deng Korchek, told Radio Tamazuj Thursday that the station has opened on a temporary basis for emergency broadcasts because the security situation is still fluid.
“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,” he said. “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: “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.”
Listeners were excited about the radio resuming broadcasts.
Gadafi Chol, a regular listener of the station 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.” He said. “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.”