JUBA, JULY 3, 2026 — His Excellency, President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Friday presided over the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Board of Directors of the South Sudan Media Authority (SSMA), calling on its members to strengthen the institution and uphold professionalism in the country’s media sector.

The new Board is chaired by Kongder Dut Jok, with Cecilia Joseph Maker serving as Deputy Chairperson, while Ajou Luol Akuei was sworn in as the Managing Director of the Media Authority.

Other members of the Board include Nyankuac Ngor Chol, Emmanuel Monychol Akop, Michael James Otor, David John Kumuri, and Koang Pal Chang.

During the ceremony held at the State House in Juba, General Ruben Loro Karlo also took the oath of office as the new Commissioner General of the South Sudan National Civil Defence Service, while Francis Luigi Adwok was sworn in as a member of the National Elections Commission (NEC).

Addressing the newly sworn-in officials, President Kiir urged them to improve the performance of the institutions entrusted to their leadership and to carry out their responsibilities with integrity, diligence, and dedication in service of the nation.

The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to media freedom and freedom of expression while stressing that these rights must be exercised responsibly. He called on journalists and media practitioners to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy, and ethical reporting, noting that responsible journalism is essential to national unity and democratic development.

President Kiir also appealed to all media users, particularly on digital platforms, to refrain from spreading hate speech, abusive language, misinformation, or content that could incite violence or division. He further encouraged security institutions to maintain constructive engagement with the media, recognising its vital role in educating, informing, and entertaining the public.

Congratulating the new appointees, the President expressed confidence in their ability to strengthen their respective institutions and contribute to South Sudan’s democratic and institutional development.

The South Sudan Media Authority is an independent statutory body established under the Media Authority Act, 2013, with the mandate to regulate, license, and promote the development of an independent, pluralistic, and professional media sector across the Republic of South Sudan.

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