President Salva Kiir Mayardit has directed the newly appointed Press Secretary in the Office of the President, Arek Aldo Ajou Deng, to develop strong relations with local and international media and improve communication on government programs and initiatives.

The directive was issued during a meeting on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at which President Kiir welcomed Ms. Arek and congratulated her on her appointment under Republican Decree No. 65/2026.

He emphasized the importance of her role in enhancing the efficiency and operations of the Presidential Press Unit.

According to a statement from the Office of the President Press Unit, Kiir urged the Press Secretary to prioritize building professional ties with media outlets and ensuring greater public awareness of government policies, projects, and achievements.

Ms. Arek Aldo Ajou Deng expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her by the President. She pledged to uphold professionalism, discipline, and ethical conduct while working to strengthen the Presidential Press Unit’s performance.

Arek, who previously served as Chief Executive Officer of the Luol Deng Foundation (a nonprofit focused on youth empowerment through sports and education), is the sister of former NBA All-Star Luol Deng (current President of the South Sudan Basketball Federation) and daughter of veteran politician Aldo Ajou Deng Akuey.

As Press Secretary, she is the primary spokesperson for the President’s Office, responsible for articulating official positions, managing media engagement, and facilitating communication between the presidency and the public.

The directive comes amid ongoing efforts to improve government messaging and public outreach in South Sudan, where media relations have often been strained by security concerns, limited press freedom, and challenges in disseminating information on development programs.

No specific timelines or detailed strategies for media engagement were outlined in the statement, but the emphasis on awareness creation suggests a focus on bridging the gap between government initiatives and citizen understanding.

The appointment and directive follow the recent removal of the previous Press Secretary, David Amuor Major, on February 3, 2026, after which the position remained vacant for nearly three weeks.