Government refutes rumour of president’s death

A government spokesman has told newsmen that reports of the president’s death were generated by anti-peace elements

Salva Kiir
(The East African)

South Sudanese government on Wednesday refuted reports across the country and East Africa that President Salva Kiir died on Tuesday.

Panic erupted in Juba after the rumour emerged that the head of state had passed on, causing confusion in the city on Tuesday.

Government Spokesman, Michael Makuei, told newsmen that the reports of the president’s death were generated by anti-peace elements who wanted to cause havoc in the country.

“This is a mere lie, there is nothing as such; Salva Kiir has never been sick, he was in the office and left his office at 4.30 p.m. (local time), and at present, he is at his house.

“These are some of the problems by people who do not want peace and if you spread such wild lies they become a source of insecurity,’’ Makuei added.

He said that government would take tough actions on the manufacturers of the rumours, further threatening to cut off social media sites in the country.

“If this situation continues, do not be surprised if we disconnect you from the rest of the world because what we need is peace.

“But once people begin to spread wild rumours, this will not be allowed to continue; some of these social media sites will not be allowed to work if people continue to work like that,’’ he said.

South Sudan has seen a rise in ethnically based killings and online hate speech following the flare-up of violence in July.

The government spokesperson appealed to South Sudanese communities to refrain from acts of revenge attacks and embrace peace.