South Sudan dismisses rumors of President Kiir's death

JUBA, South Sudan

The South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has dismissed the growing rumors alleging the sudden death of President Salva Kiir, affirming that he is in good health and executing his duties with vigour.

On Wednesday, several prominent social media accounts posted that Kiir passed on and that the development was only waiting for official confirmation.

Surprisingly, most of the platforms spreading the claim are foreign-owned, including that of Alinur Mohamed is a Kenyan politician and prominent supporter of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party and its leader, Raila Odinga.

In a statement released Thursday, the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity called the claim “false” and “malicious”, adding that the president is in good health.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of South Sudan categorically and strongly denies the false and malicious reports circulating on social media claiming that His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit has passed away,” read the statement.

“The Ministry would like to assure the South Sudanese public, the region and the international community that H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit is alive, well and fully engaging in the service of the nation. He continues to carry out his presidential duties with vigour, commitment, sound health and complete fitness,” it added.

Juba accused those involved in spreading the allegation as “enemies of peace” seeking to undermine the progress of the country.

“The Ministry condemns in the strongest terms this deliberate spread of misinformation aimed at creating unnecessary panic, confusion, and instability. Such fake news only serves the interests of those who wish to undermine our nation’s sovereignty, hard-won peace and progress,” it said.

“These are entirely baseless and irresponsible rumours fabricated by enemies of peace, development, nation building and stability in South Sudan,” added the statement.

It is for the fourth time that rumours about Kiir’s death have spread widely.

In May 2020, speculation about Kiir’s health emerged after he was absent from public appearances, with some social media reports claiming he had contracted COVID-19 or died.

Some sources even alleged he had travelled to Egypt for medical treatment or had handed over leadership. On May 25, 2020, Kiir addressed the nation in a press briefing, dismissing these rumours as “propaganda” and asserting his good health.

In October 2016, rumours spread on social media, including Twitter (now X), claiming Kiir had died or fled to Uganda for medical treatment. This coincided with heightened violence in Juba and other parts of South Sudan, raising tensions.

The government, through Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth, denied the claims, stating, “This is a mere lie, there is nothing as such. Salva Kiir has not even been sick.” Kiir further dispelled the rumours by touring Juba in a pick-up truck, waving to crowds to prove he was alive.

In October 2009, rumours circulated in Juba that Kiir had died, prompting the government to refute them. Local media reported that Vice President Riek Machar, and then SPLM Secretary-General Pagan Amum, and former General Chief of Staff Paul Mayom held press conferences to clarify Kiir’s status.