Episode Meta Description: Beyond the Big Men: Can South Sudan Decentralize Power and Still Hold Together? In this thought-provoking Voice 64 episode, Mathor Wan examines South Sudan’s chronic over-centralization of authority—where power flows from the presidency downward—and asks whether true federalism could finally bring equity, peace, and accountability. Through history, policy, and lived experience, this episode explores whether devolving power can unite rather than divide the nation. Keywords: South Sudan decentralization, federalism, governance reform, state autonomy, Voice 64 podcast, Mathor Wan, democracy in Africa. Episode Summary: For decades, South Sudan’s politics have revolved around “the big men”—those at the top who command loyalty, wealth, and weapons. But can a country built on hierarchy learn to trust its peripheries? In this episode, we unpacks the promise and peril of decentralization in South Sudan. He traces the legacy of power concentration from liberation movements to post-independence governments and asks what a truly people-centered system might look like. Through stories of neglected counties, frustrated youth, and local administrators without real authority, Mathor Wan challenges listeners to imagine a South Sudan where leadership is earned locally and accountability flows upward from the people—not downward from the palace. Show Notes: 00:00 – 03:00 | Opening ReflectionsSetting the stage: why the “big-man” culture defines governance across Africa—and how South Sudan inherited it. 03:00 – 10:00 | A Capital Too PowerfulExploring how Juba became the center of everything—from decisions to development—and what that means for distant states like Upper Nile, Western Bahr el Ghazal, and Eastern Equatoria. 10:00 – 18:00 | Federalism or Fragmentation?Unpacking myths: does decentralization risk disunity, or could it be the foundation of lasting peace? 18:00 – 27:00 | The Local Power DilemmaStories from local administrators and citizens who feel voiceless under central command structures. 27:00 – 33:00 | Lessons from Other African ModelsWhat South Sudan can learn from Kenya’s devolution, Nigeria’s federalism, and Ethiopia’s regional autonomy—successes and cautionary tales. 33:00 – 35:00 | Closing Reflections — “Power to the People”Mathor Wan’s final call: building a system where every county matters, every citizen counts, and governance starts at the grassroots. Key Themes: The “big man” political culture and its costs Decentralization vs. national unity The economics of power concentration Local governance, service delivery, and participation Lessons from African federal systems Call to Action:  If you believe that power should serve people—not control them—share this episode. Visit Voice64.com for more details. Join the Voice 64 community on Facebook, X, and YouTube to continue the conversation on what a decentralized democracy could look like for South Sudan.

Episode Meta Description: Decentralization: Promise or Illusion? Voice 64 brings Tea Stall Talk with Mama Tereza, Gor, and Hon. Akot to the mic for a heated and humorous conversation about power, resources, and responsibility. From Juba’s corridors to county councils, they unpack what it really means to move power closer to the people—or just closer to new elites. Episode Summary: In this spirited Voice 64 roundtable, Mama Tereza moderates a fiery debate between Gor, the sharp-tongued citizen activist, and Hon. Akot, the ever-defensive government loyalist. Together they explore decentralization—a policy often praised but rarely practiced in South Sudan. The discussion dives into whether decentralization has truly empowered local communities or merely reshuffled corruption. Gor argues that “the same people in Juba now have cousins in the counties,” while Hon. Akot insists that government reform takes time and patience. Mama Tereza keeps them in check, asking the hard questions ordinary citizens whisper: Who really holds the power, and who benefits when authority moves from national to local hands? With wit, tension, and truth, the trio examines how real decentralization could strengthen education, healthcare, and accountability—but only if citizens remain vigilant. By the end, listeners are challenged to see decentralization not as an administrative word, but as a citizen’s demand for dignity, inclusion, and shared prosperity. Show Notes: Hosts: Mama Tereza—The voice of reason and the people. Gor—The unapologetic truth-teller from the grassroots. Hon. Akot—The seasoned politician defending government policy. Memorable Quotes: “Power doesn’t decentralize itself—you have to pull it down.” – Gor“You can’t plant a government today and expect shade tomorrow.” – Hon. Akot“Decentralization without accountability is just corruption with a new address.” – Mama Tereza Tone: Satirical | Informative | Civic-minded Listen on: voice64.comFollow the Conversation:Facebook | X (Twitter) | YouTube | Spotify

Episode Description: Do diaspora voices truly shape South Sudan’s future? Explore exile, nation-building, and bridging ideas between home and abroad on Voice 64 podcast Episode Summary: Across oceans and time zones, millions of South Sudanese in the diaspora carry not only memories of home but also blueprints for its rebirth. Yet the question lingers: Do we really matter in the nation-building conversation? In this episode of Voice 64, Mathor Wan explores the tension between exiled ideas and on-the-ground realities. From remittances and return programs to civic participation and cultural reinvention, we unpack how diaspora communities can become partners—not spectators—in rebuilding a wounded nation. Through honest dialogue, reflections from both sides, and stories of innovation, we examine whether the diaspora’s distance is a weakness—or a strength in disguise. Show Notes: Key Themes The evolving role of the South Sudanese diaspora in shaping governance, policy, and public opinion Financial remittances vs. civic remittances: how ideas and accountability travel across borders The emotional and identity gap between “home” and “abroad” Lessons from other diaspora-driven nation-building efforts in Africa How Voice 64 connects exiled voices with grassroots realities through media, dialogue, and storytelling Segments: Opening Reflection: “Home is not just a place—it’s a conversation.” Voices from Abroad: Personal stories of hope, frustration, and longing. The Ground Reality: What locals think of diaspora involvement in politics and development. Bridging the Divide: What true partnership between diaspora and homeland could look like. Closing Thoughts: “A bridge is only useful when people walk across it.” Takeaway Message:Nation-building is not bound by borders. Every call, every remittance, every shared idea is a building block toward a future where home is more than geography—it’s collaboration. Join Voice 64: Join the conversation.Share your story at voice64.comListen, follow, and subscribe to Voice 64 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows.Follow on Facebook @Voice 64 & X 64voice for more dialogues that connect the diaspora and the homeland.

Is Dr. Riek Machar’s trial real justice—or a political purge? In this satirical Voice 64 episode, Mama Tereza, Gor, and Hon. Akot debate South Sudan’s courtroom drama, media blackout, and international backlash. A sharp, funny, and fearless take on power, politics, and persecution. Episode Summary In this satirical episode of Voice 64, Mama Tereza, Gor, and Hon. Akot tackle one of South Sudan’s most pressing questions:Is the trial and persecution of Dr. Riek Machar politically motivated? With biting humor and unfiltered commentary, the trio walks listeners through the charges against Machar, the government’s narrative, and why most South Sudanese—and the international community—see it as a purge against opposition by the so-called government of Salva Kiir. From media blackouts and scapegoating to international condemnation and the hypocrisy of “rule of law by gun,” this episode exposes how justice has been turned into political theatre. Expect courtroom satire, sharp analysis, and Mama Tereza’s fearless tongue that refuses to whisper when truth is at stake. Key Takeaway: When justice becomes a weapon, it loses its name. South Sudan’s future depends on reclaiming the law for the people—not the powerful. Show Notes. Episode Title: Is the Trial of Dr. Riek Machar Politically Motivated?Series: Voice 64 Podcast – Satire & Truth in a Silenced Nation What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Courtroom Comedy vs. Real Justice—a satirical take on the trial where Machar is “guilty” of breathing too loudly. Media Blackout—Why only state-run SSTV was allowed in, while independent journalists were locked out. Public Perception—why ordinary South Sudanese see this as scapegoating, not accountability. Global Reactions—how the UN, Amnesty International, and donors view the trial as a purge against opposition. Bigger Question—What happens when opposition is silenced, dissent is jailed, and justice is politicized. Why It Matters. This episode dives into the heart of South Sudan’s governance crisis: the abuse of justice as a political weapon. It’s both a warning and a wake-up call to citizens, the diaspora, and the global community that fairness—not fear—is the true foundation of peace. Keywords: South Sudan politics, Riek Machar trial, Salva Kiir government, political purge South Sudan, opposition persecution, South Sudan satire podcast, Voice 64 podcast Call to Action Whether you’re in Juba, Nairobi, Sydney, or Minnesota—your voice matters. Listen, share, and join the conversation at voice64.com.

Justice on Trial exposes how South Sudan’s courts became weapons against rivals. Riek Machar, the IO—and the nation itself—stand accused. Episode Summary: In this episode of Voice 64, Mathor Wan delivers a gripping solo narration: Justice on Trial: The Case of Riek Machar and the Opposition. What happens when justice ceases to be blind and becomes a political weapon? Through the story of Riek Machar and the SPLM-IO, we uncover how South Sudan’s government transformed courtrooms into stages, verdicts into propaganda, and trials into tools of repression. From the broken promise of a “nationally televised” trial—where only state TV was allowed inside—to the silencing of independent media, the episode reveals how authoritarianism cloaks itself in the language of law. The cost is not only borne by political rivals, but by ordinary citizens who lose faith in courts, truth, and freedom itself. Show Notes:  Episode Title: Justice on Trial: The Case of Riek Machar and the OppositionFormat: Narration by Mathor. Description:When governments hunt rivals instead of protecting citizens, justice itself is put on trial. In this powerful solo episode, Mathor Wan examines the relentless targeting of Riek Machar and the IO, the manipulation of South Sudan’s courts, and the silencing of the press. With haunting questions, is that justice? Is that fair? This narration exposes how fragile nations collapse not when armies fall, but when citizens stop believing in justice. Highlights: Heater of Power: How South Sudan’s courts became stages, with verdicts scripted by politics. The Broken Promise: A trial promised to be nationally televised—yet only state-run TV was allowed inside. Independent media barred, voices silenced. Silenced Voices: Journalists harassed for reporting, allies branded as traitors, and dissent turned into crime. The Human Cost: How resources spent hunting rivals were stolen from children, refugees, and widows. A Nation on Trial: Why every sham verdict undermines democracy, and why the fight for justice is about South Sudan’s survival. Key Questions Raised: Is justice still justice when citizens cannot witness it freely? Can South Sudan build courts where evidence matters more than ethnicity, and law matters more than loyalty? What future can a nation claim if justice itself has been silenced?  

Discover how South Sudan’s rule-by-command fuels a culture of war, and explore practical pathways to institutionalize checks and balances for lasting peace and accountable governance. Episode Summary In this episode of Voice 64, we unpack the harsh reality of rule-by-command—a system where power flows from the pen of one man rather than the will of the people. We dive into how this culture of command has sustained war, eroded institutions, and silenced citizens. More importantly, the discussion focuses on solutions: how South Sudan can dismantle this war culture by institutionalizing checks and balances, strengthening the rule of law, and ensuring that leadership is accountable to the people—not to military might. Listeners will gain insights into the dangers of unchecked executive power, lessons from other nations that transitioned away from authoritarianism, and bold ideas for building institutions that protect rights, amplify voices, and safeguard peace. Show Notes Topic: Unpacking the Reality of Rule-by-Command and How to Institutionalize Checks and Balances to Eradicate the War Culture Host: Mathor Wan, Voice 64 Key Discussion Points: What rule-by-command means in South Sudan’s political culture How warlord-style governance sustains conflict and silences accountability The risks of a government without institutional checks Why checks and balances are not luxuries but survival tools for fragile states Lessons from nations that broke free from military dominance A roadmap for institutional reforms: judiciary independence, legislative empowerment, and citizen participation Why Listen:This episode challenges listeners to rethink leadership beyond personalities and power struggles. It highlights why a permanent constitution, functioning courts, and independent oversight are essential to ending South Sudan’s cycle of war and impunity. Call to Action:Join the Voice 64 community—where silence ends and truth begins. Share this episode, spark conversations, and demand accountability. Visit voice64.com for more episodes, resources, and ways to get involved.

The Revitalized Peace: Dead or Alive? Peace on Life Support" explores South Sudan’s fragile peace deal, its broken promises, and whether the Revitalized Agreement can survive or if the nation is headed for deeper instability. Show Notes: Episode Title: The Revitalized Peace: Dead or Alive? Peace on Life Support South Sudan’s Revitalized Agreement was meant to end war and bring hope. Instead, delays, detentions, and a paralyzed political process have left the peace deal gasping for air. In this episode of Voice 64, Mathor Wan takes listeners deep into the realities of South Sudan’s “peace on paper”: The Broken Promises—women’s representation, constitutional reform, and elections left in limbo. Power Without Accountability—Why leaders stall reforms to protect their grip on power. The Voices Silenced—jailed signatories, censored media, and exile of dissenting voices. Is Peace Still Alive? — or is the Revitalized Agreement merely a mask covering authoritarian rule? Voice 64 asks the question many fear to answer: has the revitalized peace collapsed before our eyes—or can it still be revived? South Sudan peace agreement, Revitalized Peace Agreement, South Sudan constitution, democratic transition South Sudan, civic education, peace on life support Subscribe to Voice 64 wherever you listen to podcasts. For more resources and full episodes, visit voice64.com.

Voice 64 asks: Is South Sudan’s Revitalized Peace Agreement alive or dead? A fearless dive into politics, power, and the silencing of hope. Episode Summary: In this episode of Voice 64, we confront the haunting question: Is the Revitalized Peace Agreement alive—or already buried? Once hailed as South Sudan’s chance to end years of conflict, the agreement has been weakened by broken promises, power struggles, and the silencing of its own signatories. Through bold questions and unapologetic truth-telling, we explore how peace has been hijacked, how generals continue to overshadow the people, and why the dream of democracy keeps slipping further from reach. This isn’t just a debate about documents—it’s about whether South Sudan can escape its cycle of war and authoritarian rule. More at voice64.com. Show Notes: Themes Covered: The original promise of the Revitalized Agreement. How ruling elites have circumvented peace by jailing signatories. Why elections remain a test between the people and the generals. The broken commitment to women’s 35% representation. What a “real peace” would demand from leaders and citizens alike. Highlights: “A path out of war, a doorway into peace—now barricaded by those sworn to open it.” “At the end of the transition, it was meant to be the people—not the generals—who decide.” “When voices are jailed, peace cannot breathe.” Listen, share, and join the conversation. Because South Sudan’s future depends on the questions we dare to ask today.

Episode Summary (Public-facing blurb) In this episode of Voice 64—Tea Stall Talk, Mama Tereza, Gor, and Hon. Akot stir up the bitter brew of politics, prisons, and power in South Sudan. Why are citizens treated as guilty until proven innocent? Why do jokes about leaders land people in cells while corruption walks free? Through sharp satire and raw truth, this conversation explores how dissent is silenced, justice is manipulated, and prisons overflow with the poor and powerless. From “Bluetooth arrests” to “goat courts,” the tea stall becomes a courtroom of the people—where laughter carries the weight of protest. Episode Notes Themes Covered: South Sudan’s justice system: guilty until proven innocent Political detentions and intimidation of activists, students, and journalists Corruption, “kangaroo” and “goat courts” Satirical takes: “Bluetooth arrests” and “detention bundles” How fear silences dissent—and why voices must resist Key Quote: “In this country, the arrest warrant comes faster than the trial. Justice crawls, but punishment runs.” Why Listen:This episode blends satire and seriousness to spotlight how power crushes dissent in South Sudan. If you’ve ever wondered why truth feels like contraband—and laughter like rebellion—this tea stall conversation will open your eyes. Stream full episodes on Voice64.com and follow us on Facebook & X for more unfiltered South Sudanese voices.

Political Detentions and Silencing of Dissent" — Voice 64 explores arrests of activists, repression of opposition, and South Sudan’s shrinking civic space. In this powerful episode of Voice 64, we dive into one of the darkest realities of South Sudan’s political life: the silencing of dissent through detentions, intimidation, and fear. From the confinement of opposition leaders—including Riek Machar—to the arrest of student organizers, market women, unionists, and journalists, this episode unpacks how the regime in Juba has turned political space into a prison without walls. We explore the machinery of repression: kangaroo courts where generals and ministers play judge and jury, media outlets suffocated by legal traps and economic strangulation, and activists preemptively arrested before a single protest can breathe. Government officials themselves openly declare, “We don’t have rubber bullets. We only have live bullets. Protest at your own risk.” Through vivid storytelling, haunting metaphors, and composite testimonies—from a student silenced by threats to a mother waiting at prison gates to even a soldier questioning his role—this episode reveals the true cost of silencing dissent: A society muted by fear. A state corroded by corruption and suspicion. A future mortgaged to instability. But it also asks: What would real change look like? From constitutional guarantees and independent courts to media freedom and truth-telling, the path forward lies in opening the windows of the nation—allowing fresh air, free voices, and genuine citizenship to return. Join Voice 64 as we confront the question: Can South Sudan ever move from silence to citizenship?  

The Pen That Ruled Us for 14! Join Mama Tereza, Gor, and Hon. Akot at the tea stall as they expose why South Sudan’s leaders fear accountability, delay the constitution, and cling to power. Real talk, satire, and truth—only on Voice 64. Episode Summary:Fourteen years after independence, South Sudan still waits for a permanent constitution. Why? At Mama Tereza’s tea stall, Gor asks the hard questions, and Hon. Akot squirms under the heat of accountability. Through humor, sharp metaphors, and heartfelt truths, this episode reveals why leaders fear a constitution that would hold them accountable—and how the people are left without protection.

Where is South Sudan constitution, 14 years later? South Sudan’s promise of a permanent constitution remains unfulfilled. In this Voice 64 Podcast episode, we uncover delays, political excuses, and why citizens must demand accountability. Listen now to the voices calling for real democracy.

Voice 64 – Tea Stall Talk Episode 22: “Rule by Decree—The Pen That Rules Us?” explores how decrees in South Sudan concentrate power in the hands of one man, fueling dictatorship, silencing voices, and blocking democracy. Discover why citizens must demand constitutional rule, accountability, and an end to governance by decree.

Voice 64’s “Rule by Decree” pulls back the curtain on South Sudan’s governance by command—where laws are replaced with orders, power silences the people, and democracy remains a distant dream. Honest, sharp, and unfiltered, this episode asks: can a nation ruled by decree ever find justice?

Why South Sudan is being treated as the world’s dustbin? Episode 20 of Voice 64 confronts a bitter reality—while our people struggle to find peace and dignity, powerful nations see our land as a convenient dumping ground for their unwanted problems. An in depth details that will blow your mind.

Is South Sudan becoming the world’s dumping ground for the unwanted? Why would South Sudan’s leaders welcome deportees who aren’t even South Sudanese, or Palestinians from distant wars, while millions of our own remain in refugee camps and exile ? Voice 64 exposes the deals, the motives, and the danger of becoming the world’s dumping ground.  

Voice 64 – Tea Stall Talk, Episode 18: Exporting People, Importing War explores how South Sudan’s leaders trade away citizens’ futures while fueling conflict at home. Sharp conversation, unfiltered truth.

Voice 64 Podcast Episode 17 — A Nation Held Hostage by Its Leaders — reveals how South Sudan’s ruling elite have trapped the nation in Wars, corruption, tribalism, and broken promises. Learn how citizens can fight for democracy and justice.

The flag waves, but the people drown.  In this episode of Voice 64 - Tea Stall Talk, "Flag Up, Nation Down," we explore the absurdity of a country that values its symbols more than its people.  Come for tea; stay for the truth.

In "The Wolf Dancing Around the Campfire," Voice 64 unravels a haunting tale of power and betrayal in South Sudan—where a predator circles the flames of a nation’s hope, and the line between folklore and reality disappears.