SOUTH SUDAN — South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially rejected widespread online rumors claiming that President Salva Kiir had passed away. The statement, released on May 16, 2025, aimed to counter the viral social media speculation concerning the health of the 73-year-old leader. According to the ministry, President Kiir remains “alive, well and fully engaging in the service of the nation.” The government described the reports as not only baseless but also malicious, stating they were designed to incite fear and instability during a sensitive time for the country.
Condemnation of Misinformation Campaign
In its official statement on Facebook, the Foreign Ministry strongly condemned what it called a “deliberate spread of misinformation aimed at creating unnecessary panic, confusion, and instability.” The ministry emphasized that President Kiir continues to perform his duties with “vigor, commitment, sound health, and complete fitness.” The rumors, circulating late on Wednesday, even prompted a comment from a Kenyan politician on X (formerly Twitter), claiming Kiir had “kicked the bucket.” The government dismissed such claims as fabrications driven by what it called the “enemies of peace, development, nation building and stability in South Sudan.”
Unrest and Political Tensions in the Background
The timing of the false death rumors coincides with renewed instability in the country. Armed clashes have recently broken out between factions loyal to President Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, reigniting fears of a return to civil war. These tensions have increased the government’s efforts to quash destabilizing reports and maintain public order.
The United Nations has warned that South Sudan may be on the brink of renewed conflict despite the 2018 peace deal that officially ended a five-year civil war claiming an estimated 400,000 lives. That peace agreement established a unity government, with Kiir as president and Machar as one of five vice presidents.
A Fragile Peace Amid Digital Disinformation
This episode underscores the fragile nature of peace in South Sudan, where misinformation can quickly escalate tensions. The government’s swift response reflects concerns over the power of social media to disrupt national stability, especially amid ongoing political uncertainty. As South Sudan navigates its path toward lasting peace, officials have urged the public to verify information from credible sources and avoid amplifying unverified claims that could worsen the country’s volatile situation.
According to AllAfrica, officials continue to push for calm and accurate information sharing, warning that deliberate disinformation campaigns threaten to derail the peace South Sudan has worked hard to achieve.
