South Sudan's President Salva Kiir bans singing of anthem in his absence

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir has banned anyone from singing the national anthem unless he is present, according to a government minister.

Information Minister Michael Makuei told AFP news on that different leaders and institutions were playing the anthem at whim, which was an abuse of the national tune, written shortly before independence in 2011.

"For the information of everybody the national anthem is only meant for the president, in a function only attended by the president, not for everybody," Makuei said.      

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

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