First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar unveiling President Kiir's official presidential portrait - Credit: Lou Nelson/Eye Radio - March 15, 2023

The First Vice President on Wednesday officiated the Presidential portrait of Salva Kiir, the first of its kind since South Sudan’s independence.

According to the Presidential Press unit, there had never been a standard portrait for the president since 2011.

The changes it says, reflect the present look of the President and the situation in the country.

It is also in line with some reforms the President has undertaken including changing the name of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army to South Sudan People’s Defense Force.

The office of the president says that government institutions including the states will now receive the presidential portrait through their agencies while the private sector and interested individuals from selected printing houses.

“There has been no standard presidential portrait since our independence and has allowed public entities and shops to display substandard and very low photos of His Excellency the President,” the Press Secretary in the office of President Lily Martin said during the official launch.

“The press unit wanted a standard photo of the countries for his Excellency the President,” She added.

“Government institutions including the states will receive their photos through their agencies while private sectors and interested individuals within selected printing houses will be giving you their contacts where you can get the right presidential photo”.

Speaking during the same event, the First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar described the official president portrait as a national event.

“This event is a national event because it unveils the current portrait of the President and you see in all nations as is explained by Dr. Barnaba there’s always one distinct picture or photograph or portrait of the head of the state and for all the people to know and also for the rest of the world to know,” said Dr. Machar.

“It’s an important day that we have now unveiled this portrait and in our offices whether in government offices or in the private sector this is the portrait you are expected to displace.”

Official image portrait is a photographic production of record and dissemination of important personalities, notably kings, presidents, and governors.

It is usually decorated with official colors and symbols such as flag, presidential stripes, and coat of arms of countries, states, or municipalities.