Six journalists from the state-run South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation have been detained in connection with the circulation of a video showing President Salva Kiir appearing to wet himself at an official event, according to the national journalists union.
The video, which was taken in December but never aired on television, showed a dark stain spreading down the president’s pants as he stood for the national anthem at a road commissioning event. It was later shared on social media.
The detained journalists are suspected of having knowledge about how the video was made public. South Sudan Information Minister Michael Makuei and National Security Service spokesperson David Kumuri did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The government has denied rumors that Kiir is unwell.
The country has been embroiled in conflict for much of the past decade.