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JUBA - 25 Jul 2017

South Sudan’s information minister fires SSBC director

File photo: Information minister Michael Makuei
File photo: Information minister Michael Makuei

South Sudan authorities have sacked the director of South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) today, barely six days after being released by security officials.

Adil Faris Mayat was arrested by security officials on 10 July for failing to carry a live broadcast of President Kiir's speech during independence day celebrations on July 9.

“Since your provisional appointment, it is observed that your short service at the TV is tainted with very serious financial and administrative irregularities and conducts that are not compatible with a civil servant,” partly reads a termination letter signed by Information Minister Michael Makuei.

According to the letter obtained by Radio Tamazuj from the information ministry, Adil made mistakes intentionally during the visit of President Kiir to Yei and during the launching of the construction of Freedom Bridge at Lologo area in the capital Juba.

“Your admission and acceptance of responsibility for failing live coverage of the address of the president to the national on 6th anniversary of our independence, which was a clear case of sabotage,” adds the letter.

“Since you are still on a provisional appointment, this is to inform you that my letter of your provisional appointment is hereby cancelled and your service terminated with effect from today 25/7/2017,” the termination letter said.

However, Minister Makuei appreciated Adil for his tangible contributions and tireless efforts for the improvement of the state-owned television.

Meanwhile, Adil Faris Mayat thanked the government including the information minister Michael Makuei for giving him a chance to serve the people of South Sudan as director of state-owned television.

“By the grace of God, I have been removed from my position after a journey full of service. Thank you government of my country for the trust in me,” Adil said in a Facebook post which attracted a lot of comments from South Sudanese youth.

Adil was appointed as director of SSBC in 2016. He had worked for various media houses as a journalist in Sudan before South Sudan independence in 2011.