South Sudan: Salva Kiir bans singing of national anthem in his absence

What’s the weirdest directive you have ever heard being issued by a head of state?

Well, South Sudan President Salva Kiir has banned the singing of the national anthem in his absence.

According to the country’s information Minister Michael Makuei, the national anthem is only meant for the president.

"The national anthem is only meant for the president, in a function only attended by the president, not for everybody,” he told AFP on Monday.

"We are seeing now even a minister, undersecretary, even governor or state minister, whenever there is a function, the national anthem is sung."   

Makuei said that the directive was issued by Kiir during a cabinet meeting on Friday.

Exceptions

The minister said that with the exception of schools where children are taught the anthem and Sudan embassies, no one else is allowed to sing the national anthem in Kiir’s absence.

He added that military leaders have also been banned from addressing the public wearing the army uniform.

Punishment

Though he did not specify how those who disobey the directive would be punished, Makuei said they would face consequences for their actions.

"These are orders and of course when you disobey the orders of the president then you carry your cross.”