South Sudan’s president Salva Kiir bans singing of national anthem in his absence

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has banned anyone from singing the national anthem in his absence.

Confirming the ban, the country’s Information Minister Michael Makuei said President Salva Kiir believes that the national anthem, which was composed shortly before the country gained independence in 2011 is being abused, especially by some government officials in his absence.

“We’ve seen that the anthem is played even when the ministers, undersecretaries, the governor or state ministers attend any function. This order should be observed because the anthem is not meant for everybody,” said Information Minister Michael Makuei.

“It’s been observed that the national anthem is being played all over.  Everybody is playing the national anthem. For the information of everybody, the national anthem is only meant for the president, and functions attended by him,” he added.