Voice of Hope Radio 98.65 FM Wau

09/10/2025

Youth Leaders Encourage the Use of Culturally Significant Attire

Some youth leaders in Western Bahr el Ghazal State has emphasized the importance of wearing traditional attire that represents the diverse cultures of South Sudan.

Speaking during the Youth Dialogue program on Wednesday on Voice of Hope Radio, Richard Michael explained that traditional clothing, local foods, and cultural dances—among other practices—form the rich cultural identity of South Sudan. He urged young people to preserve and promote these traditions.

Michael added that the type of clothing currently worn by many young people no longer reflects South Sudanese culture, leading to a gradual loss of cultural identity.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Martin, another youth participant, also encouraged young people to seek cultural advice from elders and older generations. He said it is important for the youth to reconnect with traditional customs and heritage to showcase South Sudan’s cultural values.

The youth leaders collectively urged all South Sudanese to embrace and promote traditional symbols that reflect the country’s diverse cultures to the world.

09/10/2025

Officials Call for Collective Effort to Curb Gang Activities in Wau

Officials in Western Bahr el Ghazal State have called on communities and families to work together to address the growing issue of gang activities across the state.

Speaking to citizens at Hai Salam Primary School in Wau during his first public address, Wau Town Mayor Joseph John Andrea urged the sheikhs of the five blocks within the municipality to engage directly with the youth involved in gangs and encourage them to abandon such behavior.

He emphasized that gang members come from families and appealed to parents and community leaders to take an active role in guiding their children.
“As the state prepares to celebrate Comboni Day, I urge everyone to celebrate in peace,” the Mayor said.

Mayor Andrea also discouraged the wearing of tight or “skinny” trousers, which he associated with gang culture, saying such attire is not officially acceptable.
He revealed that he had learned of some gangs celebrating the removal of the former mayor but vowed to continue the municipality’s efforts to combat criminal activities and restore peace within the community.

For his part, the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Rudolf Andrea Ujika, called on the youth to maintain discipline and ensure a peaceful celebration of Comboni Day.

The officials’ appeal marks a renewed commitment to fighting youth gang activities through unity and community involvement, highlighting the shared responsibility of all citizens in building a peaceful and secure Western Bahr el Ghazal State.

📸 | By: Augustino Peter Upieu |

09/10/2025

Constitution Review Commission Begins Public Consultations in Wau

A delegation from the Constitution Review Commission of South Sudan is set to begin consultations with different groups in Western Bahr el Ghazal State to gather public opinions about the constitution.

The Deputy Chairperson of the Commission, Dr. Mario Oreng Awet, explained that their visit to the state aims to engage various community groups and collect their views to be included in the drafting of South Sudan’s permanent constitution, which will guide the country in the next phase.

Dr. Mario clarified that their role is to simplify constitutional concepts for different groups and encourage their participation in reviewing issues within the current transitional constitution that may require additions or amendments.

He emphasized the importance of active participation from all community members in sharing their views on the constitutional amendments, noting that the permanent constitution should reflect the will of the people as it will govern the country after its official adoption.

The Constitution-Making Commission was established in November 2023, and this marks their first outreach mission to the states, which is expected to last for one month.

09/10/2025

Director Warns Public of Hippopotamuses Along Jur River

The Director of Wildlife Protection in Western Bahr el Ghazal State has confirmed the presence of several hippopotamuses along the Jur River and has cautioned the public to avoid areas where the animals have been sighted.

Speaking to Voice of Hope Radio on Thursday, Dafallah Khamis Dafallah said that a number of hippopotamuses are currently visible in the river, noting that visitors can often spot them surfacing in the water.
He reported that the animals have been observed along the riverbanks near Grinti, Agok, Clement Omboro, and at both Jur River bridges.

Dafallah added that wildlife officers are deployed each morning to monitor the animals’ movements, and warning signs have been placed in areas where hippopotamuses are found to prevent the public from entering restricted zones.

The director urged parents to keep children away from the riverbanks and advised the general public to avoid locations known to host the animals.
He also appealed to residents to obey and respect the warning signs posted by the Wildlife Department for their own safety.

In August 2023, the Wildlife Protection Department issued a similar warning after receiving reports confirming the presence of hippopotamuses in the same area.

09/10/2025

Governor Sharif Makes Major Administrative Changes in Western Bahr el Ghazal State

The Governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal State, Maj. Gen. Sharif Daniel Sharif, has made a series of administrative and technical changes within the state government, relieving several senior officials from their positions and appointing new ones.

According to a series of state orders issued on Thursday, October 9, 2025, Governor Sharif relieved Mr. Hillary Claudio Musa from his position as State Secretary General and Mr. Arkangelo Uyaka Ubanga from his role as Deputy Secretary General., under State Order No. 38/2025.

In another directive, State Order No. 39/2025, the Governor also relieved Mr. Joseph Richard Mbuka Ndurara from his position as Director General in the State Ministry of Cabinet Affairs.

Subsequently, through State Order No. 40/2025, Governor Sharif appointed Mr. Joseph Richard Mbuka Ndurara as the new State Secretary General in the Council of Ministers, while Mr. Marko Ucuir Urayo was named as his Deputy.

In further reshuffles, Governor Sharif appointed Mr. Hillary Claudio Musa as Technical Advisor in the State Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Mining, as stated in State Order No. 41/2025. Meanwhile, Mr. Arkangelo Uyaka Ubanga was appointed as the new Director General of the State Ministry of Cabinet Affairs under State Order No. 42/2025.

The Governor directed all outgoing officials to hand over their offices to their successors with immediate effect and instructed the concerned authorities to ensure full implementation of the new orders.

09/10/2025

Wau Municipal Council Clarifies Misunderstanding Over Water Prices

The Wau Municipal Council in Western Bahr el Ghazal State has issued a clarification following public misunderstanding about the varying prices of water tank supplies across different areas within the municipality.

Speaking to Voice of Hope Radio, the newly appointed Town Mayor, Joseph John Andrea, explained that his earlier message was directed specifically to vendors who sell water using tankers, not to business owners who sell bottled water.

The Mayor further clarified that his remarks were not an official directive, emphasizing that any formal orders from his office would be issued only after thorough consultations with relevant stakeholders to ensure they serve the public interest.

On Monday, shortly after his swearing-in ceremony, Mayor Andrea addressed residents during a celebration at Hai Salam residential area, where he appealed to water tanker vendors to reduce the price of a pair of jerry cans to 1,000 South Sudanese Pounds.

09/10/2025

Addressing a global network of leading news agencies, Pope Leo XIV thanks reporters who work every day to share the truth, often risking their lives, saying they help the world know about important events.

Addressing a global network of leading news agencies, Pope Leo thanks reporters who every day work to share the truth, often risking their lives. It ...

09/10/2025

Save Africa with Africa
Feast of St. Daniel Comboni
Friday 10/10/2025, Time: 03:00 Pm
Venue: St. Daniel Comboni's Parish Jabel Akhdar, Wau
Mass: by H.L. Bishop Matthew Remijio Adam MCCJ

09/10/2025

South Sudan’s NCA and SSRA with N-Soft to Enhance Telecom Revenue Collection

On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, South Sudan’s National Communication Authority (NCA) and the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA) entered into a strategic partnership with N-Soft, a leading global provider of digital revenue assurance solutions.

The agreement was signed by NCA Director General Gieth Kon Mathiang, SSRA Commissioner General Hon. Simon Akuei Deng, and N-Soft Vice President of Sales Mr. David Meseguer. This collaboration seeks to improve revenue collection in the telecommunications sector through the implementation of a sophisticated digital assurance platform.

The platform will enable real-time tracking of revenue flows, enhance compliance with regulations, and boost transparency and accountability throughout the telecom industry.

This partnership underscores NCA’s commitment to building a technology-driven and transparent public finance framework that drives sustainable economic growth and elevates public service delivery across South Sudan.

09/10/2025

Major Government and Military Reshuffle Announced by President Salva Kiir

On Wednesday evening, President Salva Kiir Mayardit issued a series of Republican Decrees announcing significant changes across South Sudan’s national government and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF). The decrees were formally read on South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) by news anchor Rejoice Samson.

Key highlights from the presidential decrees include:

- Ministerial Changes:
Beny Gideon Mabor has been relieved of his duties as Minister of East African Community Affairs, with Gen. Pieng Deng Kuol, former Inspector General of Police, stepping into the role. Similarly, Dr. Lam Akol Ajawin has been removed as Minister of Transport and replaced by Rizik Zachariah Hassan, who was reassigned from his prior post as Minister of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism. Rizik’s former ministry will now be headed by Denay Jock Chaguor, ex-Governor of Jonglei State.

- Military Leadership Adjustments:
Gen. Dau Aturjong Nyuol was relieved as Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the SSPDF. In his place, Gen. Dr. Paul Nang Majok has been reappointed to the position. Following his removal, Gen. Dau Aturjong Nyuol has been appointed as Technical Advisor in the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.

- Other Notable Appointments:
Dr. Michael Lopuke Lotyam was dismissed as Chairperson of the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority Board and replaced by Samuel Yanga Mikaya. However, Dr. Lotyam was reassigned as Technical Advisor in the Ministry of Higher Education. Additionally, Sebit John Mabok was appointed as Technical Advisor in the Ministry of Interior.

- Personnel Reassignments:
Mary Hillary Wani Pitia was relieved as Undersecretary in the Ministry of Labour and appointed as Undersecretary in the Ministry of East African Community Affairs, with Deng Tong Kenjok taking over her former role.

This sweeping reshuffle reflects President Kiir’s strategic moves to strengthen governance and military leadership as South Sudan navigates ongoing challenges. The changes are expected to bring new focus and expertise to key ministries and security institutions.

08/10/2025

Wau Central Prison Faces Health Risks Amid Lack of Sanitation Facilities

The Director of Wau Central Prison, Major General Andrea Masaranga Marial, has appealed to the Governors of the Bahr El Ghazal Region to support the prison with a vehicle for sanitation and waste management to help improve hygiene conditions.

Speaking to Voice of Hope Radio, Masaranga said the lack of a proper waste disposal vehicle has made it difficult to maintain hygiene standards within the facility, posing serious health risks to inmates and prison staff.

He appealed to the Governors of Rumbek, Warrap, Aweil, and Wau States to respond to this need, stressing that the request is not a command but a humanitarian appeal made in the spirit of cooperation and responsibility.

“The inmates under our care are like family,” said Major General Masaranga. “They deserve protection, good health, and a clean environment.”

The situation at Wau Central Prison reflects a broader sanitation challenge facing prisons across Western Bahr El Ghazal State. Poor infrastructure, coupled with limited logistics and resources, continues to endanger the health and dignity of inmates.

General Masaranga urged state governments, partners, and concerned institutions to take immediate action to improve prison sanitation facilities and ensure that Wau Central Prison meets basic health and safety standards.

08/10/2025

Ministry of Gender Engages Institutions on CEDAW Implementation in Wau

The National Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, in partnership with the Western Bahr el Ghazal State Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, has conducted a dissemination workshop on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in Wau. The workshop brought together representatives from various government institutions.

Speaking to Voice of Hope Radio on Wednesday, George Ochang, a representative from the National Ministry of Gender, said the workshop aimed to share the findings of the CEDAW report and integrate its principles into the work of government institutions.

He added that it also focused on disseminating the concluding observations submitted by the Government of South Sudan to the CEDAW Committee.
“Just like the enactment of the 2017 Labor Act, which provides equal opportunities for women and girls, this workshop highlights gender policies and constitutional affirmative action that ensure women’s participation in public and political life,” Ochang explained.

Meanwhile, Mary Karlino Madut, the State Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to eliminating discrimination and advancing women’s rights. She stressed the importance of the workshop in helping government institutions understand and implement the CEDAW protocol.

“That is why we gathered participants from various institutions—they are ready to listen, participate, and implement what is required,” Minister Madut stated.
She also extended appreciation to development partners for their continued support in promoting gender equality initiatives within the state.

The workshop marks a significant step toward enhancing awareness and understanding of women’s rights among government actors. It aims to strengthen the implementation of gender equality laws and policies, ensuring greater protection and participation of women in public and political life.