(JUBA) – South Sudan’s Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services, Michael Makuei Lueth, has pledged to work towards improving radio and telecommunications signals in the Abyei Administrative Area following growing concerns about poor connectivity.
The commitment was made during a meeting held on Thursday with Abyei’s Chief Administrator, Justice Charles Abyei Jok, who raised the issue directly with the national minister.
Justice Jok highlighted that communication facilities in the region are currently inadequate, making it difficult for residents, local authorities, and institutions to access basic services or coordinate effectively with the rest of the country.
He urged the government to take immediate action and engage major telecom operators such as MTN and Digitel to expand their coverage and services into the area. He noted that such improvements would help narrow the communication gap between Abyei and the capital, Juba.
According to the administrator, the security situation in Abyei has improved significantly in recent months, allowing for a return to normal life and the resumption of farming and other productive activities. He stated that this progress creates a timely opportunity for companies and government agencies to invest in communication infrastructure.
Minister Makuei acknowledged the concerns and assured the chief administrator that the ministry would intervene. He said discussions would be initiated with relevant stakeholders, including private telecom operators, to address the coverage challenges.
Abyei lies in a contested border area between South Sudan and Sudan and has long suffered from underdevelopment, with communication gaps often compounding the difficulties in governance, humanitarian response and peacebuilding.
Local leaders say that expanding mobile network coverage and radio signals would not only ease communication but also improve access to essential information, support local economies and foster civic participation.
At the time of reporting, no specific financial commitment or timeline has been announced by the ministry.
