South Sudan journalists barred from filming President Kiir yawning, sleeping or with mouth open

Local and international journalists covering South Sudan President Salva Kiir and state functions will no longer be allowed to film or photograph him with his eyes closed, mouth open or displaying unflattering expressions.

The new guidelines, published on Friday by the Office of the President, are intended ‘to maintain the dignity of the Presidency, protect national image, and ensure professional standards’.

Local media report that journalists may be required to sign the guidelines before covering presidential events.

The Office of the President has also reserved the right to review, restrict or deny media access where professional standards or security requirements are not observed.

Under the guidelines, journalists must not film or photograph the President while he is eating, drinking or during private moments.

They are also required to avoid capturing him while walking unless the footage has been officially approved for ceremonial, arrival, departure or protocol purposes.

“Media personnel must avoid recording when clothing, microphones, jackets, ties, medals, or official attire are not properly arranged,” the document states.

The guidelines further prohibit aggressive close-up shots, distorted camera angles, excessive zoom and imagery deemed to undermine the dignity of the presidency.

Journalists are also required to respect diplomatic protocol, national symbols and official state procedures. Unauthorised filming or photography inside restricted, classified or security-sensitive areas remains prohibited.

The guidelines further require the President to remain the central focus of official state coverage unless protocol dictates otherwise.

Official photographs and video footage released by the Office of the President will also remain the authoritative reference material for state engagements.

“All interviews, press interactions, and special recordings involving the President must receive prior approval from the Presidential Press Unit. External media organisations are encouraged to coordinate closely with the Presidential Press Unit regarding camera positions, movement, timing, and access arrangements,” the guidelines state.

The guidelines, which are likely to attract criticism, also require media professionals to carefully check backgrounds to avoid capturing confidential documents, security equipment, inappropriate objects or unauthorised personnel.

Unauthorised live streaming, cellphone recordings and unofficial broadcasting from restricted areas are also prohibited.

“The Office of the President appreciates the continued cooperation of regional and international media partners in promoting accurate, respectful, and professional coverage of the Presidency and the Republic of South Sudan. Media teams are expected to maintain professionalism, discipline, and respect during all official engagements,” the document says.

The new rules come three years after several journalists were arrested following the circulation of footage appearing to show President Kiir wetting himself during an official event.

Footage by the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) showed the 74-year-old President standing during the national anthem at an opening ceremony in the capital, Juba, in December 2022, with what appeared to be a dark patch spreading down his trousers.

The journalists were accused of releasing the footage to the public, in what was criticised as an act of harassment by state security.

In 2026, Reporters Without Borders ranked South Sudan 118th out of 180 countries in its press freedom index, a nine-place improvement from its 109th position in the 2025 index.

“Freedom of the press is extremely precarious in South Sudan, where journalists work under constant threat and intimidation, and where censorship is ever-present,” the organisation said.