As the world’s newest nation teeters on the brink of civil war, the young people of South Sudan are pushing back, seeking peace through music and the power of radio. Sally Sara reports.
Five years ago it burst into life in a euphoric celebration of new nationhood. Now the fear is that South Sudan is barrelling towards failed-state oblivion, its future trashed by tribal conflict and bloodshed.
But try telling that to W J “De King”, local reggae star.
“Peace will be here,” he says matter-of-factly.
As South Sudan’s elders fight over the spoils of independence, dreadlocked WJ criss-crosses the country to sing for peace, rallying young people who make up 70 per cent of the population.
Let me cry now through my music, if my leaders will listen to me… People are dying, all because of them – lyrics of WJ song
The meaning of his songs is touching our hearts – teenage girl at a WJ concert
Like WJ, most of South Sudan’s young people were born into war. Many lost loved ones, homes and any chance of an education in the war for independence from the mostly Arab north.
Now they are claiming their future… For that they need peace. And in a largely illiterate country with barely any TV or Internet, the anti-war message is best spread by radio.
People are so hungry for information – Tethluach Yong, Eye Radio presenter
In the capital, Juba, Sally Sara meets a team of young journalists who risk their lives to keep countrymen informed about the intricacies of the latest peace deal and other vital news.
You walk outside and anyone can just pull his gun and shoot you – Eye Radio station manager
Presenter Tethluach, 27, wears the risk. He would broadcast all day long if he could. The main challenge, as he sees it, is to educate young people to help break down tribal rivalries.
If he had a microphone big enough he would ask every South Sudanese:
While you’re busy dividing yourselves, while you’re trying to stand along ethnic lines, don’t you see the world is progressing? You will be the only people who are left behind!
Twelve years after she last reported on Sudan’s civil war, former Africa correspondent Sally Sara returns to what is now South Sudan, to find an infant country still deciding whether to destroy itself or pull together for the future of its young people.
Get Up, Stand Up – Foreign Correspondent airs 9.30pm Tuesday August 2 and 10.30am Thursday August 4 on ABC & iview. Also, 6.30pm AEST Saturday August 6 on News 24. Also available on iview
