Six Journalists Arrested over Leaked Video of South Sudan President Kiir Wetting Himself

Authorities in South Sudan are reportedly detaining six journalists in connection with a leaked viral video of President Salva Kiir.

The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) said the six journalists working for the State-run South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) were arrested this week.

They are Joval Tombe, Cherbek Ruben, Victor Lado, Joseph Oliver, Jacob Benjamin, and Mustafa Osman. 

"Five of the journalists were detained on Tuesday and one on Wednesday," said Patrick Oyet, who heads UJOSS.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of the journalists, who are reportedly being held at the National Security Service headquarters known as Blue House.

The leaked video showed President Kiir, 71, seemingly urinating on himself at an official event in December 2022.

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 forms at his feet.

The president appeared to be unaware of what was going on before the cameraman quickly pans away after noticing the pool of urine.

The leaked video sparked a debate on social media, with many questioning whether Kiir is still fit enough to govern South Sudan.

Kiir became South Sudan's president in 2011 after the nation gained its independence from Sudan following a referendum. 

The people of South Sudan are expected to take to the ballot in the country’s first election in 2024.