Aweil Authorities Demand Transfer Of Radio Coordinator
Elisabeth Janaina
Aweil Authorities Demand Transfer Of Radio Coordinator
The authorities of Aweil East County in Northern Bahr el Ghazal state (NBGS) have issued an order to a local community radio to immediately transfer its coordinator within 24 hours.
By Abraham Agoth
AWEIL, 22 November 2013 [Gurtong] - Chris Marol administers and supervises Nhomlaau 88. FM radio in Malualkon. In a letter dated 11 November, to the administration of Nhomlaau radio, the commissioner Awet Kiir Awet demanded for the immediate transfer of Marol.
The commissioner accused Marol of arrogance, being uncooperative, not focusing on community norms and use of abusive languages.
The letter did not however specify whether Marol was only prohibited from the county or the whole state. Talking to Gurtong on this particular issue, Kiir reiterated that the decision has been a process as the administration of the radio would not have a common understanding with county authorities.
Internews, an international NGO supporting the operations of Nhomlaau F M, confirmed the receipt of the letter. .
Despite the pressure from the county, the Director of the Community Radio Network in South Sudan Mr. Nigel Ballard said they are working closely with the state government to resolve the matter.
‘‘We are continuing to look at the matter. We have been discussing with authority including acting state Minister of Information. So, the discussion is continuing and we are looking to find a resolution to this problem,'' said Ballard.
Nhomlaau Fm 88.0 is a community radio station broadcasting in NBGS to
sensitize community on social and cultural aspects of life around the
area of operation.