Malakal’s Voice of Love (Sawt Al Mahabba) radio station might be back on the air in time for Christmas, according to the Catholic Radio Network, which helps operate the station under the Diocese of Malakal.
The station has been shut down since fighting erupted in Malakal last December and all of its equipment was looted. There was also damage done to the station’s tower, but a Catholic radio representative said a technician is currently working on repairs.
At least seven of South Sudan’s radio stations were forced off-air earlier this year during the crisis, including Voice of Love, two stations in Bor and one each in Bentiu, Leer and Nasser.
Security officials closed Juba’s Bakhita FM in August over objections to some of the station’s content, though they have never provided any written legal notice. Officials returned the station’s keys a month later, but Bakhita has still not resumed operation.
Groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have highlighted the government’s attempts at “restricting freedom of expression and curtailing public debate” since the fighting began and have called for an end to harassment and intimidation of journalists.
File photo: Aerial view of Malakla, Upper Nile State
Related:
Malakal Catholic Diocese ‘completely destroyed’ (March 20)