Authorities in Zalingei town of Central Darfur have restored broadcast services at the local radio station after months of fighting in the area.
Ali Abdullah, head of the Culture and Media Department of the Central Darfur State Steering Committee, told Radio Tamazuj that the radio is a critical driver of peace during conflict.
He said the role of radio revolves around consoling the community and broadcasting messages of hope to strengthen socio-fabric and combat hatred.
Abdullah praised the radio’s crew who secured some radio equipment during the crisis.
“The media leads societies in times of war and peace and in all forms of social mobility, and from this standpoint it can lead Central Darfur to stability and renaissance,” he said.
Abdullah called on all media professionals to rally around the state’s affairs, adding that plans are afoot to hold a conference that will bring together all media professionals to consult on the future of the region.
Abdel Halim Ahmed, Director of Zalingei Radio, indicated that they have drawn up a program to restore hope among local communities.
Ahmed said radio programming will henceforth include a number of religious, cultural and sports programs that support community cohesion.
“This will be done without the radio having any interest in aspects of war or mobilization for the benefit of any party,” he said.
Ahmed cited lack of a studio or offices after the radio building was converted to a temporary shelter for displaced people.
He said the station broadcast antenna and connection cables were partially destroyed but the equipment status allows the radio to stay on air.
Anwar Haroun, a radio crew said the launch of radio constituted a relative step toward peaceful coexistence, strengthening the social fabric, enhancing community awareness on education, health and several other spheres.
“The radio was not spared from the damage that befell all public institutions,” she said.
Anwar called on humanitarian organizations to support the radio to play its roles to the community.
The FM station stopped its broadcasts following the outbreak of war between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces in mid-April of last year.
The fighting between the two sides and the subsequent effects of insecurity and chaos affected a number of state institutions including the station’s buildings and equipment, which were subjected to widespread sabotage and damage during the confrontations.