By Ayomide Otitoju
The South Sudanese government on Thursday firmly denied widespread online rumours claiming that President Salva Kiir Mayardit had died, dismissing the reports as “false and malicious.”
Speculation erupted late Wednesday on social media, with several posts—some by prominent Kenyan figures—falsely asserting that the 73-year-old leader had “kicked the bucket.”
In a swift response, South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying it “categorically and strongly denies the false and malicious reports circulating on social media claiming that His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit has passed away.”
“These posts are entirely baseless and irresponsible rumours fabricated by enemies of peace, development, nation-building, and stability,” the ministry said.
President Kiir, who has faced persistent rumours over his health, has remained visibly active in recent months, meeting international leaders and implementing sweeping government changes. He has also cracked down on his long-time rival and First Vice President Riek Machar, placing him under house arrest and detaining several of his key allies.
The denial comes amid rising tensions in the country, with fresh clashes reported between forces loyal to Kiir and those aligned with Machar, fuelling fears of renewed civil conflict in the world’s youngest nation.
