JUBA, July 13, 2026 — His Excellency, President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Monday presided over the swearing-in of a new presidential special envoy, a Cabinet minister, a member of the National Elections Commission (NEC), and the new Board of Directors of the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), urging all the appointees to faithfully serve the Republic of South Sudan and uphold the responsibilities entrusted to them.

The ceremony, held at the State House, J1, saw the officials take the oath of office, pledging allegiance to the Republic of South Sudan, to faithfully discharge their constitutional duties, protect the sovereignty and interests of the nation, and serve the people with integrity, impartiality, and dedication.

President Kiir swore in Hon. Changkuoth Bichiok Reath as Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Madut Biar Yel as Presidential Special Envoy to the Great Lakes Region, Josephine Achiro as a member of the National Elections Commission, and the newly appointed Board of Directors of the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC).

The new SSBC Board is chaired by Peter Wal Athiu, with Agnes Wasuk Wani serving as Deputy Chairperson. John Madol Panther, the Managing Director of SSBC, serves as Secretary to the Board. Other members include Mathiang Cirilo, Thiik Thiik Mayardit, Akuot Sarah Dut, Kuol Muor, Jacqueline Pierino Ephraim, and Garang Duot Ayok.

Addressing the ceremony, President Kiir congratulated the officials on taking their oath of office and reminded them that the responsibility they had assumed now rested entirely on their commitment to serve the nation.

“I have little to say. Now that you have taken your oath, I hope nothing will affect your work,” the President said.

Turning specifically to the newly constituted SSBC Board, President Kiir called for urgent reforms to restore professionalism and ensure the national broadcaster fulfills its public service mandate.

“The media has been turned into a place of insults, where people insult themselves. Make the broadcasting station a place where people learn something. Do your job so that things will go well,” President Kiir said.

The President stressed that the national broadcaster should be a platform that educates, informs, promotes national unity, and contributes positively to nation-building rather than fueling division.

Reflecting on the country’s history, President Kiir noted that the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) had made enormous sacrifices during the liberation struggle and said the movement possesses the experience and responsibility necessary to continue leading the country.

“The SPLM fought a long war to liberate this country. If we managed to fight for the freedom of our people, then we can also manage the affairs of this country because we know what it took to achieve that freedom,” he said.

Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services Hon. Ateny Wek Ateny said the appointment of the new SSBC Board comes at a critical moment as South Sudan prepares for the December 2026 general elections.

“The Board has been purposely selected as the country prepares for the general elections. We believe this is a robust team with the capacity to strengthen SSBC’s professionalism, credibility, and public service mandate while ensuring it effectively serves the nation during this important period,” the minister said.

Speaking on behalf of the Board, Chairperson Peter Wal Athiu thanked President Kiir for the confidence placed in the new leadership and pledged to undertake institutional reforms aimed at improving the broadcaster’s performance, strengthening editorial professionalism, and reinforcing SSBC’s role as a credible national public broadcaster serving the interests of all South Sudanese.

Newly appointed Presidential Special Envoy to the Great Lakes Region, Hon Madut Biar Yel also expressed gratitude to President Kiir for the confidence bestowed upon him and pledged to faithfully execute his mandate.

He said his responsibilities would focus on advancing South Sudan’s strategic interests within the Great Lakes Region, strengthening diplomatic engagement with member states, promoting dialogue on regional peace and security, supporting the implementation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework, and enhancing South Sudan’s constructive participation in regional peace initiatives.

Meanwhile, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Hon Changkuoth Bichiok Reath thanked President Kiir for the appointment and pledged to work closely with universities, academic institutions, development partners, and other stakeholders to strengthen higher education, promote research and innovation, improve the quality of teaching and learning, and expand opportunities for young South Sudanese pursuing higher education.

The swearing-in of Josephine Achiro as a member of the National Elections Commission further reinforces the government’s ongoing preparations for the conduct of peaceful, credible, and inclusive general elections scheduled for December 2026. Achiro was recommended by SPLM-IO to be appointed by the President.

Source: Office of the President, Republic of South Sudan. Additional context and analysis by Juba Global News Network.