President pees his pants at anthem – six journalists arrested
The publication of a video has sparked a heated debate on ethics in Africa. South Sudan’s President Sava Kiir is now taking action once morest employees of the state TV station.
A video sparked debate in South Sudan over President Salva Kiir’s health.
Photo: Keystone
Six journalists have been arrested in South Sudan. you get loud «Guardian» accused of illegally releasing a video showing President Sava Kiir peeing his pants. The clip, shot at the opening of a road, shows the South Sudanese leader performing the national anthem. He stands there first, then a stain spreads across his trousers and a puddle forms at his feet. The camera abruptly moves away as Kiir and his entourage seem to realize what is happening.
The video was shared widely on social media last month, raising questions regarding the 71-year-old president’s health and suitability to govern a nation grappling with conflict, hunger and climate change. But it also sparked a heated debate across Africa regarding whether it was even permissible to show such footage. On Friday, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said six employees of the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) had been arrested in connection with the video.
Bloody power struggle, thousands dead
Oil-rich South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 following a long conflict. In December 2013, however, the country slid into a civil war that largely took place along ethnic lines: troops loyal to President Salva Kiir fought those who were loyal to Vice President Riek Machar. Tens of thousands have been killed in the conflict, which ended in 2018 with a peace accord that saw a national unity government led by Kiir and Machar. Actually, according to the pact, there should be elections before February 2023, but they were postponed to December 2024.
Kiir then wants to run for office. Other presidential candidates are not yet known. However, it is expected that Kiir’s longtime rival, Riek Machar, will also compete.
red
Found a mistake?Report now.