03 Aug, 2023, Juba, SOUTH SUDAN – South Sudan on Thursday presented the UN-owned Radio Miraya a license to operate legally in the country, after operating for years without legal cover. The government also formally assigned the Station its own radio frequency.
This came during a ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation that was attended by top relevant government officials, including the Acting Minister, Hon. Deng Dau Deng and the Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services, Hon. Michael Makuei Lueth.
Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom, as well as the Director General of South Sudan’s National Communication Authority (NCA), Eng. Napoleon Adok and Elijah Alier, the Managing Director of the country’s Media Authority.
Later, the Minister of Information told reporters that award of a frequency and operational license to Radio Miraya came after its owners finally complied with all relevant conditions and registration procedures, saying this was an essential responsibility.
“Yes, we are members of the UN, and definitely we will abide by whatever is done in the UN, but people should confirm with the laws of the country. It is a free service with free registration; thereafter, you operate freely like other media houses. We will be using Miraya FM to disseminate the peace agreement, road map, and government plans for elections,” the Minister pointed out.
Meanwhile, the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Deng, reiterated the obligations of the government, as well as UNMISS, in line with the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), including provision of unrestricted communication and installation of UNMISS’s radio, as well as exemption from taxes and other fees.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation continues in its endeavour to ensure proper communication and coordination between the government and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. We believe that through effective communication and collaboration, we will be able to find a mutually beneficial solution”, Hon. Deng said.
For his part, the Head of UNMISS expressed gratitude to the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services, Hon. Michael Makuei Lueth, for their efforts to have Radio Miraya formally registered, after operating in a legal grey area for years.
“The Resolution is based on the registration of UN Radio without prejudice to the UN Rights under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), allows and confirms the radio frequency in compliance with the Domestic Communication Legislation”, said the Head of UNMISS, who also doubles as the Special Representative of the Secretary General.
