Kiir’s newly-appointed media aide assumes office

JUBA – South Sudan’s newly-appointed presidential press secretary, Lily Adhieu Martin Manyiel, on Wednesday met President Salva Kiir Mayardit and assumed her office, according to a statement issued by the presidency on Wednesday evening.

Adhieu, daughter of SPLA commander and freedom fighter Cdr. Martin Manyiel, was appointed by a presidential decree readout on the state-own South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) on Monday evening to replace Ateny who had been removed about two months ago.

In a statement on Thursday evening, the presidency said Adhieu has assumed her duties and met President Salva Kiir in his office in Juba on Thursday.

“His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit today received Lily Adhieu Martin Manyiel, newly appointed Press Secretary in the Office of the President,” the presidency statement a copy of which was obtained by Sudans Post reads in part.

Speaking to the media following the meeting with the president, Adhieu stressed that her role is not only to disseminate information, but to also facilitate communication between the head of state and the citizens, calling for a team work in the presidential press unit.

“While it is a challenging responsibility that requires incredible dedication and sacrifice, I cannot think of any higher honor and privilege than to serve His Excellency the President and the people of South Sudan in this capacity,” she said.

“I’m fully prepared for the task. As a firmer believer in teamwork, I will work closely with the existing team to steer the Presidential Press Unit to new heights,” she added.

She further said: “to our colleagues in the media fraternity, my team and I look forward to developing a closer and cordial working relationships as you are key stakeholders towards making South Sudan a better and more open society. My office will be open for you.”