Nyadak Lam spent her formative years between Sudan and Nairobi, experiences that significantly shaped her worldview. She grew up in a renowned family. Both her parents held high political offices and made significant contributions to the liberation of South Sudan. SheNyadak is a Peace and Conflict Practitioner interested in Peacebuilding, Empowerment, ICT Development, and Engagement. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies from Africa Nazarene University and has been active in the civil space since 2017. She is one of the founding members of the South Sudan Internet Governance Forum. She has worked with various organizations and initiatives, including I AM PEACE, DefyHateNow, and the Center for Internet and Communications (ICOMMS).She is a skilled communications practitioner with experience in emceeing and moderating discussions on national and international stages. As a writer, Nyadak has contributed several articles to Andariya, a bilingual digital cultural platform focused on the East and Horn of Africa.

Wani Steven grew up in Juba and later moved to Khartoum, where he studied law at Al Neelain University. Upon returning to Juba, he interned with Lawrence Korbandy Law Firm, gaining valuable early career experience. After practicing for a few years, he faced a crossroads when offered a position at a high political office and a Chevening scholarship. He chose the latter and travelled to the UK, earning an LLM in Information Technology & IP Law from the University of Sussex.Upon his return, he co-founded Witness Law Advocates, a continental innovation law firm offering legal services throughout East and Northern Africa, specializing in technology and intellectual property law.Wani has over nine years of practical experience in South Sudanese law, with expertise in media, information technology, and intellectual property law. He is currently involved in various projects on content moderation in East and West Africa, advises several ISPs and MNOs in South Sudan, and consults on digital rights and internet access with regional NGOs like LawyersHub and international NGOs like Internet Sans Frontières. He also defends cases related to freedom of speech in South Sudan.In 2022, Wani ran as an independent candidate for one of the nine seats allocated to South Sudan at the East African Legislative Assembly. Though he did not win, the experience earned him significant political milestones. He gained votes from various political factions and ran a campaign primarily funded by youth who believed in his vision.Last month, Wani led the media campaign for the Advocate Alliance in their bid for leadership of the South Sudan Bar Association, the legal body responsible for regulating the legal fraternity in South Sudan. The Advocate Alliance team won the election in a sharply contested race. As of this writing, Wani has been appointed the Deputy Secretary-General of the Bar Association. The new Bar has a significant task ahead to reshape legal practice in the country and introduce necessary reforms during a critical transition period.

Yitjuok Agwet earned his BA in English Language and Literature in 2016 from Comboni College of Science and Technology in Sudan. He is a distinguished writer and translator known for his significant contributions in translating works by South Sudanese authors into Arabic. This endeavour has profoundly impacted Arabic-speaking readers in Sudan and the Arab world, helping to bridge cultural and literary gaps. One of his notable translations is Peter Adwok Nyaba's book, "SOUTH SUDAN: ELITES, ETHNICITY, ENDLESS WARS AND THE STUNTED STATE."Yitjuok is widely respected in Sudan, where he spent his formative years and launched his writing career. He has written for several Sudanese newspapers and publications, earning recognition for his insightful and impactful work. In addition to his writing, Yitjuok has made significant contributions to the cultural space. He founded the Renascence Cultural Center, which became a vibrant hub for cultural exchange until its closure.In recognition of his outstanding work in translation, the Sharjah Book Authority in the UAE awarded Yitjuok the prestigious Sharjah Translation Grant last year. This grant promotes literature and cultural exchange, enabling Yitjuok to translate "The Longest March" by South African author Fred Khumalo into Arabic.Currently residing in Dubai, Yitjuok continues to work as a translator and cultural organizer, contributing regionally and internationally to the literary and cultural landscape.

Nyachangkuoth Tai grew up in a South Sudanese family, where she had the opportunity to deeply experience and understand her culture. Early on, she noticed the different treatment of girls compared to boys in the South Sudanese community, as society imposed distinct restrictions on women; this led her to have a passion for championing women's rights causes. As she matured, Nyachankath initially pursued a career in banking. However, the conflict in South Sudan prompted her to shift her focus to peacebuilding.Nyachangkuoth Tai is a seasoned peacebuilding master trainer and an avid storyteller. She serves as the Special Assistant to the Chairperson Advisor on Strategic Relations with the AU Policy Organs and Agencies at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa. Previously, she was the Gender Manager at Assistance Mission for Africa (AMA), a non-profit organization. At AMA, she raised awareness about the cross-cutting nature of gender equality in various fields, including social, economic, political, scientific, cultural, and educational. She incorporated strong gender analysis skills into her work, advocating for women's participation and inclusion in decision-making processes and their protection from all forms of violence.Nyachangkuoth is a Gender Analyst for UNFPA South Sudan and a commissioner on the Political Parties Council. 

Akol Dok was born in what was then Sudan, where he spent his formative years before moving to the United States. He was actively involved in basketball, modelling, and public speaking in high school. Akol later earned a bachelor's in political science and government at Iowa State University, which is coincidentally the same institution where John Garang studied. Akol's interest in governance and political science was evident from his student days, leading him to run for several student leadership positions and actively participate in campus leadership.In addition to his political interests, Akol is an avid reader, writer, and history enthusiast. He believes that studying the past is essential for managing the future. Akol is also an entrepreneur, writer, and analyst. He is the Managing Partner of Orus Consulting Limited, a research and advisory firm that advises organizations, governments, and corporations on strategic planning, public relations and strategic communications, public affairs, and management consulting. His in-depth experience helps clients navigate complex African markets, particularly South Sudan.Akol provides commentary and analysis on African political and economic affairs on various media outlets, including CNBC Africa, Africanews, CGTN Africa, Mansa Media, RT World, and the Good Morning Africa Podcast.

Clever Peterson began his blogging career anonymously under the pseudonym Judas. In his early years, his platform was known for publishing fake news, personal attacks, and revealing secrets celebrities wanted to keep hidden. Eventually, he transitioned into a social media influencer, working with notable figures such as Achai Wiir,  K2 Promotions, and others. Nowadays, he manages Juba Eye, an online news publication known for its hot news and celebrity stories. Although he has been labelled a manufacturer of fake stories, Clever does not deny his past but asserts that he has reformed and now runs a reputable platform. He is one of the leading voices in South Sudan's digital media and online content. Listen to his story on this episode.

The Recent Past with Ajo Noel will be uploaded  Ajo Noel grew up in Southern Sudan and various refugee camps in Uganda. Despite the conflict and numerous challenges, he persevered to secure an education, ultimately earning a law degree from Uganda Christian University. After a brief period of practice in South Sudan, he had the opportunity to further his studies in the US. He was awarded a Master of Laws - LLM, Banking, Corporate, Finance, and Securities Law from  Harvard Law School..Ajo is notable for working on one of the most contentious political cases in recent history that involved former political detainees after the 2013 conflict. He is a consultant for multiple international institutions and NGOs on legal matters and teaches law at the University of Juba. Most recently, Ajo was part of the election commission that successfully managed the Bar Association elections.

Mariak Bol is a renowned journalist and digital media leader in South Sudan. He is the creative force behind Hot in Juba (HIJ), a leading South Sudanese online blog that covers urban news, gossip, sports, and entertainment from the heart of Juba. Over the years, HIJ has gained a massive following and has become a major source of news and entertainment. In its early days, HIJ faced accusations of bias, malicious gossip, and occasional fake news. These contentious issues led to criticisms, social exclusion, and even physical threats to Mariak's safety. However, HIJ's reputation has significantly improved over the past two years. The platform has shifted its focus towards more professional content and has officially registered with the South Sudan Media Authority, the regulator of media houses in South Sudan. Mariak rejects the "alternative media" label for HIJ, asserting that it is now a mainstream platform deserving the same recognition as established hybrid media houses.Please tune in to our first episode of the RecentPast podcast to hear more about Mariak Bol's journey and insights.

Send us a Text Message.Nicky Prince, whose real name is Siliman Musa Dima , is a celebrated South Sudanese singer and songwriter. Raised in refugee camps in northern Uganda, he navigated significant educational challenges, frequently moving between camps and schools due to financial difficulties. Despite these hardships, he excelled academically and discovered his passion for music, initially singing to uplift his mother during difficult times. He formed the group Blue Culture and later, in Khartoum, created Hard Life Preachers, recording songs with downloaded beats. Upon returning to South Sudan, he established Hard Life Avenue with fellow musician Mantani Murye Alex Aka Mantani, focusing on music that embodies resilience and shared struggles.The group's early songs received mixed reviews until they released their debut album, Lost Culture, in 2012, which gained traction, particularly in Yei, a central music hub, and later, the whole of South Sudan. Their initial collaborations with Producer Linus, who later joined the band, resulted in several successful hits, cementing their place in the South Sudanese music scene and leading the group to change their name to Hard Life Avenue Stars. Their song "Yau De" achieved widespread recognition, with their unique style and relatable lyrics significantly impacting the industry. Nicky Prince emphasizes authenticity and simplicity, steering clear of comparisons with international artists to preserve their distinct identity.Nicky Prince recounts the heartbreaking loss of Hard Life Avenue Stars member Mantani, who died in an accident in 2021. This loss profoundly affected  Nicky Prince and Linus, who had to cope with the death of a close friend and bandmate. Despite their sorrow, they continued to honour Mantani's legacy through their music and performances. Nicky discusses the challenges of balancing his music career, personal life, and day job, highlighting his wife's support and his colleagues' eventual acknowledgement of his musical fame.

Send us a Text Message.Ter Manyang was born in Ayod, Jonglei State. Initially guided by his soldier father, he began schooling but later dropped out to stay in the village with cattle. He believed it was essential to acquire life skills before returning to academics. After some years, Ter resumed his education and moved to Khartoum for primary school. He later relocated to Uganda, where he completed his high school education and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration and Management with a major in good governance and human rights from Cavendish University. Ter Manyang is pursuing a Master of Arts in Transformational Leadership, specialising in Gender Studies and Women's Rights at the University of Juba.Ter is passionate about human rights and civic space in South Sudan, which led him to establish the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) in 2013. CPA advocates for human rights, transitional justice, institutional reforms, gender justice, and citizen participation in governance and decision-making processes.He is a vocal critic of policies he views as undemocratic and restrictive of the civic space. This stance has put him at odds with various law enforcement actors, resulting in his restriction a few times.  Ter claims his work has put him under constant threats by some of these actors and made his job difficult.  Actions which he says do not deter him. He is a prominent voice in the media and other public platforms, commenting on the peace agreement, civic participation, and freedom of expression.In 2023, the South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network (SSHRDN) awarded Ter Manyang the Human Rights Winner Award for the Greater Upper Nile Region of South Sudan.

Send us a Text Message.Mawut Luis Anyang is a prominent South Sudanese professional and a leading advocate for disability inclusion. He founded the Aptitude for Justice law firm and co-founded Fortuna Action, a general trading company specialising in assistive devices and technology. Through his work, Mawut offers vital consultancy services to organizations, helping them implement inclusive practices aligned with sustainable development goals.Born in Khartoum, Mawut has faced the challenges of visual impairment since early childhood, which fueled his resilience and determination. After relocating to South Sudan, he pursued higher education at the University of Juba. His leadership and civic engagement were recognized internationally in 2016 when he was selected as a Mandela Washington Fellow for Young African Leaders. During this fellowship, Mawut had the honour of presenting at the prestigious Ignite Talks in Washington, D.C., with President Barack Obama in attendance.Throughout his career, Mawut has been dedicated to empowering others, particularly individuals with disabilities. He has played a crucial role in developing and delivering assistive technologies that make education and information more accessible. His efforts extend to supporting families and individuals with disabilities, providing them with the psychological and practical tools needed to overcome life’s challenges.In 2018, Mawut was elected Chairperson of the South Sudan Association of the Visually Impaired (SSAVI), where he furthered his leadership in the disability rights movement. In 2019, he was appointed as an Empowerment Officer by the Organization of Volunteers for International Cooperation, where he strengthened partnerships with disability organizations. By 2020, he assumed the role of Inclusion Officer for Humanity and Inclusion, focusing on supporting persons with disabilities affected by crises in humanitarian settings. Mawut's unwavering commitment to disability rights and inclusion inspires and drives positive change in South Sudan and beyond.

Send us a Text Message.Suzie Anyuat Williams was born in Rumbek in a large polygamous family, where she stood out for her stubborn determination from an early age. Despite excelling academically, she pursued her passion for dance by forming a crew named Swag Jerkers when she was 15. Her high school years were spent performing with the crew and earning a side income while excelling academically. However, her studies were interrupted when she became pregnant at 18 and gave birth at 19, causing a rift between her and her father. Returning to Rumbek, Suzie began working at a local radio station. Her life turned positive when a generous woman named Tanya recognized her potential and decided to sponsor her education until she completed her studies. Suzie went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Media Studies from Victoria University.Now a seasoned communications professional, Suzie has extensive experience writing and optimizing content for social media, websites, digital newsletters, and print publications. She is the Client Services Manager at Boomerang Creatives in Juba, Central Equatoria, South Sudan. Her background as a broadcaster has made her adept at presenting, editing, and writing radio content. Suzie's passion for photography and video production further enhances her diverse skill set. Her previous roles include News Anchor at Eye Radio and Assistant News Editor at GoodNews Radio, highlighting her strong foundation in media and communications.