President Salva Kiir Mayardit has appointed veteran journalist Ajou Luol Akuei as the new Managing Director of the South Sudan Media Authority, the country’s media regulator. He replaces Elijah Alier Kuai, according to a presidential decree issued on Wednesday.

Luol received his appointment letter on Thursday and takes over leadership of the institution at a time when media freedom and regulation remain highly sensitive topics in South Sudan. Journalists and media houses have frequently reported restrictions on their operations.

In an interview with Radio Tamazuj shortly after his appointment, Luol pledged to promote a media environment that enables journalists to work freely while operating within the country’s laws and professional ethics.

“People want the media to speak freely, but not beyond the law,” he said. “There are laws, including the Media Authority Act of 2013 and other relevant legislation, that regulate media work in the country.”

The Media Authority was established in 2016 under the Media Authority Act 2013. It is responsible for regulating the media sector, issuing and renewing broadcasting licences, enforcing media regulations, and handling complaints against media outlets.

The authority is managed by a nine-member board comprising a chairperson, deputy chairperson, and the managing director, who serves as an ex-officio member.

Ajou Luol Akuei brings extensive experience in both journalism and public administration. He previously served as coordinator of the defunct Aweil East state liaison office in Juba and worked as an inspector for corruption prevention and education at the Anti-Corruption Commission.

A graduate of the University of Juba’s College of Arts and Mass Communication, Luol has more than a decade of experience across print, broadcast, and international media. His career began at Citizen newspaper in Khartoum, followed by roles at Voice of the People Radio and Ebony TV in Juba.

He later worked with Arabic-language outlets, including Al-Masier newspaper, where he rose to senior reporter and general editor. For over seven years, he contributed to Al Jazeera Arabic in South Sudan and collaborated with several regional and international organisations, including the UAE-based Al Ain News Agency.

Luol emphasised that the media should inform citizens, support national development, promote social cohesion, and offer balanced coverage of both the country’s challenges and achievements.

“South Sudan is known for wars, crime, communal conflict and tribalism,” he noted. “But there is also a good side of South Sudan. We are rich in heritage and cultural diversity, and these are things people also want to know.”

He expressed his commitment to advancing the media sector and strengthening professional journalism in the country.