3287: NATIONWIDE: Greater Pibor’s Push for Stability and Services

This special edition of Radio Miraya's Nationwide program, broadcast live from Pibor Town in Greater Pibor Administrative Area, features an in-depth conversation with Chief Administrator His Excellency Gola Boyoi Gola. The discussion centers on the region’s complex challenges—intercommunal tensions, cattle raiding, child abduction, and flooding—while highlighting significant progress in security, town planning, and development. Gola emphasizes the transformative impact of the first-ever town survey and demarcation project, now 60% complete, which is enabling road construction and improving access for both development and security forces. He also outlines efforts to combat child abduction through new customary laws and youth engagement, while advocating for nationwide disarmament and stronger law enforcement. Despite ongoing threats like road ambushes and internal HZ group conflicts, Gola expresses optimism about the region’s future, driven by investments in education, tourism potential, and infrastructure supported by UNMISS and other partners. The episode concludes with listener questions on elections, youth unemployment, and peace efforts, underscoring the community’s desire for stability and inclusive governance. Key takeaways include: (1) Town survey and demarcation is foundational for sustainable development and security; (2) Child abduction is a shared regional problem requiring coordinated legal and cultural responses; (3) Youth unemployment is a root cause of violence, demanding job creation and engagement; (4) Peace efforts across communities like Murali, Dinka Bor, and Greater Jongoli are ongoing and essential; (5) Infrastructure like airstrips, roads, and flood mitigation systems are critical for connectivity and resilience. The episode reflects a hopeful, action-oriented vision for Greater Pibor, grounded in local leadership and international support.