A Christian community radio station was on Friday officially launched in South Sudan’s Jonglei State capital, Bor.
The Voice for Reconciliation (VOR) operates on the 98.4 frequency.
Speaking during VOR’s launch, the state governor, Philip Aguer said the radio station will help reconcile communities in greater Jonglei.
“This radio has a big role in our lives as a community. Not only the communities of Jonglei State, but communities of greater Jonglei that include the Murle, the Anyuak, the Kachipo, the Nuer and the Jie. And I hope this radio will develop so that it is heard in Boma, Akobo, Waat, Ayod, Fangak and across the river,” he said.
VOR’s director, Manyang David Mayar, said the new radio station seeks to empower local communities for sustainable development.
“While the government, UNMISS [United Nations Mission in South Sudan], national and international NGOs [Non-Governmental Organizations] are trying their best to see that there is peace and participatory communities, we have seen that the development communication strategy has been missing or given little attention in the search for sustainable development in Jonglei state,” he said.
Mayar, however, urged the state authorities to promote press freedom so that a conducive environment is provided for journalists.