The Catholic Church’s ‘Voice of Love’ radio station in the South Sudanese town of Malakal cannot broadcast freely due to the presence of government forces in the Upper Nile state capital, according to church and staff members.
“We’re in an area controlled by the government military. In such a situation, we can’t have news that goes against the view of the government, so at the moment we completely avoid local news,” said Sister Elena Balatti, a nun who works in Malakal, speaking to Catholic News Service.
The station was shut down following the outbreak of civil war in South Sudan in late 2013 and the damaging of its radio tower. Broadcasting resumed this February, but programming has been restricted to mainly music and peace messages rather than news bulletins which were aired before the conflict.
“We choose songs of love and peace, music in the languages of this area, convincing people that it’s possible to live together without the killing and violence,” said Adan Christopher, a staff member.
Related:
Voice of Love radio station reopens in Malakal (23 Feb.)
Voice of Love repaired in Malakal (19 Jan.)
South Sudan government threatens to close second Catholic radio (30 Sep.)
National Security continue making threats against Radio Bakhita (12 Sep.)
Juba Catholic want church radio back on air (31 Aug.)
South Sudan official shuts down Catholic radio station (16 Aug.)
Catholic Church looted in Malakal, South Sudan (25 Feb.)