South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir dismissed James Magok Chilim as managing director of the state-run South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) on Thursday and appointed John Madol Panther as his replacement, according to a presidential decree.
The decree cited a recommendation from the Council of Ministers but did not specify when the decision was made. The council has not met for several months for disclosed reasons.
Magok, who had held the position since 2016, was suspended in April 2020 by Information Minister Michael Makuei over allegations of “intransigence, disobedience, and incompetence.”
He was reinstated in January 2021.
Under South Sudan’s Broadcasting Corporation Act (2013), the managing director is appointed by the SSBC board with a two-thirds majority vote, followed by ministerial and cabinet approval. The role carries a five-year term, renewable once.
The managing director, according to the provisions of the Broadcasting Corporation Act, is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Broadcasting Corporation.
Madol, the new appointee, has worked as a journalist at SSBC and previously served as information minister in the now-defunct Gok state. He has also held senior positions in Lakes State’s information ministry and reported for independent media outlets in the country.
SSBC has been facing criticism from activists and opposition figures for allegedly favoring the ruling party and limiting coverage of rival parties.