By Peter Halima
Juba, South Sudan – The South Sudanese government has vehemently denied widespread rumors circulating on social media claiming the death of President Salva Kiir Mayardit. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued a strong statement condemning the false reports as a deliberate attempt to spread panic and destabilize the nation.
The rumors, which rapidly gained traction online, appear to have originated from a misleading post by a Kenyan blogger and activist. The post quickly went viral, sparking widespread concern and confusion among the South Sudanese public.
“We are aware of the malicious rumors circulating on social media platforms regarding the health and well-being of His Excellency, President Salva Kiir Mayardit,” the Ministry’s statement read. “These reports are completely false and unfounded. President Kiir is alive, healthy, and continuing to carry out his duties in service to the nation.”
The Ministry condemned the dissemination of unverified information, urging the public to exercise caution and refrain from sharing unconfirmed reports. “We urge all citizens to disregard these baseless rumors and to rely on official sources for accurate information,” the statement continued. “The deliberate spreading of such false information is a disservice to the nation and an attempt to undermine stability.”
The government’s swift response highlights the sensitivity surrounding President Kiir’s health and the potential for misinformation to ignite unrest in the fragile nation. While the government has assured the public of the President’s good health, the incident underscores the need for vigilance against the spread of fake news and the importance of responsible online discourse. Further updates on President Kiir’s activities are expected in the coming days to further quell any remaining doubts.
