The coordinator of Association of Member of Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) Social Communication Fr Chrisantus Ndagaon 20th August described Bakhita Radio closure as ‘unfortunate’ and prayed for amicable solution to the issue.Fr said that Radio is a crucial tool serving peace building efforts in South Sudan and that its closure affects many people.
He added that the government and the Radio management should find a permanent solution so that such incidents may not happen in the future.
The Coordinator who is in Juba for capacity building workshop on planning and management skills, said peace building is crucial at grassroots including local churches to pave way for healing and reconciliation in the country.
 |
| Fr. Chrisantus Ndaga, Coordinator AMECEA Social Communications |
Fr Ndaga called on masses to come together and champion workable peace process instead of leaving it only to leaders.
The visiting Coordinator observed that South Sudan socioeconomic growth was picking up well right from independence, but marred by multiple crises due to unresolved issues after the 21 years of civil war.
South Sudan National Security Service on Saturday 16th stormed Bakhita Radio station in Juba, shutting it down, arresting several journalists, releasing others and continue detaining its Editor who read morning news service that day.
The News Editor Ocen David Nicholas was on Tuesday 19th released but the Security kept the keys to the radio station to keep it closed.
The station management has been told that some of its program are criticizing the government or inciting the people to criticize it. The same accusations were moved against the Church in general, saying that priests should not talk about politics, federalism and other issues while preaching.
They said it is not the role of the Church to criticize the government, but work for peace and development.
The security now wants a new MoU agreement signed by the archdiocesan administration, the security and the ministry of information that states clearly what the radio can or cannot air.
A meeting has been set for Saturday 23rd August between the Archdiocesan administration, and the security.
Source: CRN