South Sudanese President Salva Kiir was filmed pissing his pants during a road commissioning ceremony in December. The 71-year-old, who has been the country's president since it gained independence in 2011, was standing for the national anthem when apparently he just couldn't hold it any longer. 

While the video was not aired on television, its subsequent circulation on social media has led to the recent detainment of six state-run South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation journalists responsible for its release. 

Sad situation after South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit wets his pants at a public function.

This is the future of every African country.

The presidential office later said he urinated himself from the “extreme patriotism” he felt. pic.twitter.com/QDsPOJlRJj

— SomaliaNOW (@Riovice) December 17, 2022

The arrests have garnered backlash, as the journalists have already been held longer than one day, which is the maximum allotted time for suspects under South Sudanese law. The camera focus can be seen shifting away from the president once his bladder malfunction becomes evident. 

Rumors of health issues were already swirling around the president before the incident, although government officials strongly deny those rumors. Perhaps Kiir should be commended for his resolve to stand firm in the face of golden embarrassment. 

I have seen a viral video of the President of South Sudan wetting himself in public.This may be a urinary sickness or an extreme act of patriotism;refusal to excuse himself while the national anthem was being played.

— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) December 14, 2022