Photo by Pierre Abensur
A few “success stories” from the past weeks. Anyone listening to Miraya these past weeks has heard not only news on the ongoing armed clashes between South Sudan and Sudan at the border, but stories on the populations affected by the conflict and on the efforts by communities, aid organizations, UN and governments to assist them. During the month, Miraya correspondents in Sudan filed 48 reports, giving balance and depth to our reporting. Last week Minister for Information Benjamin Marial joined Miraya for an in-depth discussion of the impact of recent events on the outstanding issues on the table. The AU office in Juba, who had been following the program closely, asked Gabriel Shadar for recording. It’s a good indication that we are providing vital information. Since July we have been covering the fighting between SAF and SPLA-N. Hundreds of thousands of civilians have fled South Kordofan, many into the border areas of South Sudan. Yida Camp is now home to an estimated 22,000 to 25,000 refugees. The humanitarian situation in the informal camp is dire. Inside South Sudan recently hosted a live program on the situation in Yida, with the Deputy Chairman and Secretary of the Markon Ukuch Foundation, having tuned into ISS for the programme, were looking for an immediate way to help the camp residents. They mobilized their resources and clothing and meicine were handed over to the camp managers. These good Samaritans have pledged to continue to mobilize support from the community for Yida. Let’s keep up the good work! Kevin Bellwood