Radio Programme Highlight: ‘Reuniting loved ones’

Today we’re asking one of the editors – and a listener – about their favorite Radio Dabanga programs.

“Lost & Found is the one closest to my heart,” says Ibrahim Jadelkarim, editor of Radio Dabanga. “The program is broadcast by shortwave radio every week, with the aim of reuniting loved ones who have lost contact with each other when fleeing conflict. Poverty and lack of security in Darfur and throughout Sudan means that people lose one another. Therefore, this program is essential.

“We ask people for as much information on a missing person as possible during the interview. The person who is missing may then recognize themselves in the broadcast or someone else can point them out. Family members don’t always recognize each others’ voices anymore, but they often do remember family memories, places, and events.”

One of the Lost & Found broadcasts:

“I heard about people finding one another via Radio Dabanga so I decided to call-in their help.”

Listener Ismael Mohamed from Nyala, South Darfur, was one of the people reunited with a family member. “I lost contact with my brother for three years after we suddenly had to flee. Nobody knew where he was. I hoped he was still alive. I heard about people finding one another via Radio Dabanga so I decided to call-in their help.

“In the program Lost & Found, I spoke about precious memories of my brother in my youth. Radio Dabanga mentioned my phone number and I waited anxiously. And then my brother called! He was in central Sudan where there are also refugee camps. We now again have contact and call each other regularly.”

Lost & Found reunites people in times of distress and is one of the important programs that Radio Dabanga produces. It helps people to discuss what consequences the conflicts in Sudan have had on their daily lives. As Radio Dabanga editor Ibrahim said: “We are the only ones to tell their story.”

A reduction of our shortwave airtime means that the stories of Sudanese people, like Ismael’s, will not be heard. You can support Ibrahim in giving a voice to the people in Sudan. Share this story online, or sponsor two minutes, half an hour or a day of shortwave airtime for Radio Dabanga. Help keep these radio programs on air!