Juba, South Sudan – We are excited to announce that our Director, Ayaa Irene Lokang, has been re-elected to the IFEX Council! The results were officially confirmed today, July 16, during the reconvening of the 2026 IFEX Annual Meeting.
For those less familiar, IFEX is the global network for freedom of expression, bringing together over 100 member organizations across 70 countries. As a Council Member, Ayaa plays a critical role in the governance and strategic direction of this vital body—overseeing policy, managing risks, and ensuring the network remains a resilient, powerful voice for journalists and advocates worldwide.
Having AMDISS leadership at the decision-making table of such a prestigious global network allows us to ensure that the challenges and aspirations of the South Sudanese media landscape are represented in international policy and advocacy conversations. It strengthens our ability to build meaningful partnerships and brings global best practices back home to our local community.
“I was first elected in 2023-2026. This will be my second term in the council. Being part of the IFEX Council has been a profound privilege. It is inspiring to work alongside dedicated colleagues from across the globe to defend the fundamental human rights, which are the rights to freedom of expression, access to information and civic space. I am grateful for the trust placed in me again by the network members and I look forward to continuing this vital work.” Says Ayaa
We are incredibly proud to see Ayaa continue this journey, representing not just AMDISS, but the power of collective action in the fight for press freedom and civic space.
Congratulations, Ayaa! Here is to three more years of collaboration, resilience, and advocacy.