Six journalists detained over leaked viral video of South Sudan President Salva Kiir

South Sudan security agents have detained six journalists for allegedly leaking the now viral video of President Salva Kiir seemingly urinating on himself at an official event in December 2022.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the six journalists attached to the State-run South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) are; Joval Tombe (Control Room Director), Victor Lado (Camera Technician), camera operators Joseph Oliver, Jacob Benjamin and Mustafa Osman as well as control room technician Cherbek Ruben.

CPJ's Sub-Saharan Africa representative Muthoki Mumo told the Guardian media outlet that the arrests mirror a “pattern of security personnel resorting to arbitrary detention whenever officials deem coverage unfavourable.”

“Authorities should unconditionally release these six SSBC employees and ensure that they can work without further intimidation or threat of arrest,” Mumo said.

In the video, moments before commissioning a newly constructed road, Kiir is seen standing up for his country's national anthem when a stain appears on his trouser before a pool slowly starts forming at his feet.

He appeared to be unaware of what was going on despite the fact that the event was being televised live.

The cameraman quickly pans away after noticing the pool of urine.

The video elicited mixed reactions on social media with many questioning whether Kiir, 71, is still fit enough to govern South Sudan.

Others however opined that the journalists were unethical for showcasing the elderly Head of State in such a compromising manner.

Kiir became South Sudan's president in 2011 after the nation gained its independence from Sudan following a referendum. He has led the nation, which has yet to hold any elections, since then. 

The people of South Sudan are however expected to take to the ballot in 2024.