South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit has appointed senior journalist Ajou Luol Akuei as Managing Director of the Media Authority, the country’s media regulator, replacing Elijah Alier Kuai, according to a presidential decree issued on Wednesday.
Luol assumes leadership of the institution at a time when media freedom and regulation remain sensitive issues in South Sudan, where journalists and media organizations have periodically reported restrictions on their work.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj after receiving his appointment letter on Thursday, Luol said he would support a media environment that allows journalists to operate freely while adhering to the country’s laws and professional standards.
“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 mandated to regulate the media sector, issue and renew broadcasting licences, enforce media regulations, and address complaints against media outlets.
The authority is governed by a nine-member board that includes a chairperson, deputy chairperson and managing director, who serves as an ex-officio member.
Luol has also held government and administrative roles alongside his journalism career. 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 worked in print, broadcast and international media for more than a decade.
He began his journalism career with Citizen newspaper in Khartoum before joining Voice of the People Radio and Ebony TV in Juba. He later worked for Arabic-language publications, including Al-Masier newspaper, where he served as a senior reporter and later general editor.
Luol also worked for more than seven years with Al Jazeera Arabic in South Sudan and contributed to several regional and international media organizations, including the UAE-based Al Ain News Agency.
He said the media should help inform citizens, promote national development and foster social cohesion while providing balanced coverage of the country’s challenges and achievements.
“South Sudan is known for wars, crime, communal conflict and tribalism,” Luol said. “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.”
Luol said he hoped to contribute to the development of the country’s media sector and support efforts to strengthen professional journalism.
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