President Salva Kiir has ordered an urgent solution to the challenges facing the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), as its managing director, John Madol Panther, battles the board over his removal.

Kiir issued the directive during a meeting with the Minister of Information, Communication, Technology and Postal Service, Ateny Wek Ateny, at the State House.

According to a statement from the Office of the President, Ateny presented a progress report on the operational challenges facing the national broadcaster.

Kiir stressed that SSBC must be fully prepared to serve the country as it approaches the December general elections.

He highlighted the broadcaster’s strategic importance and called for coordinated action to strengthen its capacity, professionalism and effectiveness.

The President directed relevant institutions to work together to resolve the challenges and ensure SSBC is equipped to effectively inform, educate and entertain the people of South Sudan.

The directive comes after Panther was reportedly suspended by the board of directors earlier on Thursday.

He later dismissed the report, insisting that he was still in charge and that the board did not have the power to remove him from office.