By Chuol Jany | CRN
The Catholic Radio Network (CRN) management has held discussions with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Juba to explore areas of partnership and strengthen the role of radio in providing accurate, timely, and reliable information ahead of South Sudan’s forthcoming general elections.
The engagement took place on Tuesday, August 25, in Juba and focused on strengthening the technical and operational capacity of Radio Bakhita 91 FM during the electoral period and beyond.
The discussions also explored opportunities to enhance the station’s ability to provide credible, inclusive, and public-interest information to citizens, particularly as the country prepares for the elections.
Speaking during the meeting, Rev. Fr. John Gbemboyo, CRN Director and Pastoral and Social Communication Coordinator at the South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference, said CRN is seeking to establish a strategic partnership with the Chinese Embassy to strengthen Radio Bakhita’s capacity to serve the public.
He said the station has an important role to play in ensuring that citizens have access to timely and accurate information during the electoral period.
“South Sudan is preparing for the forthcoming general elections, and CRN seeks to establish a strategic partnership with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to strengthen the capacity of Radio Bakhita to provide timely, accurate, and inclusive public-interest information to citizens,” Fr. Gbemboyo said.
Radio Bakhita 91 FM is one of CRN’s sister stations, serving communities across Juba and areas within an estimated 150-kilometre radius and beyond.
The station broadcasts news, civic education, peacebuilding, development, and other public-interest programmes aimed at reaching diverse audiences.
Fr. Gbemboyo said Radio Bakhita’s broad coverage places it in a strategic position to support peaceful civic participation, counter misinformation, and provide platforms for citizens to discuss issues affecting their communities.
“As South Sudan approaches the upcoming elections, Radio Bakhita has an important role to play in providing timely, accurate, and inclusive information, promoting peaceful civic participation, countering misinformation, and creating a platform for citizens to engage in issues affecting their communities,” he said.
The Director of Political Affairs at the Chinese Embassy in South Sudan, YU Kaibing, acknowledged the important role of the media in keeping citizens informed, particularly during critical periods such as elections.
YU said the Chinese Embassy has continued to strengthen its engagement with media organisations in South Sudan, with several journalists benefiting from training programmes supported through the Embassy’s initiatives.
He also recognised the growing reach and influence of Radio Bakhita, saying he personally follows the station on Facebook and is aware of its large audience.
“I do follow Radio Bakhita on Facebook, and I know that it is a church radio with a huge following. I understand that the Catholic Church is one of the most influential denominations in South Sudan,” YU said.
The discussions come as media organisations in South Sudan prepare to play a greater role in providing voters with civic and electoral information ahead of the planned general elections.
CRN said strengthening the capacity of community radio stations will be important in ensuring that citizens, including those in underserved communities, have access to reliable information and opportunities to participate meaningfully in the democratic process.