The government of South Sudan on Thursday denied rumors circulating on social media about the death of President Salva Kiir, calling them “false and fabricated.” Questions had recently arisen regarding the health of the 73-year-old leader, who has been in power since 2011. Kiir has made recent public appearances at official meetings and has taken strict measures against his deputy, Riek Machar, who is currently under house arrest. Renewed clashes between forces loyal to Kiir and supporters of Machar have raised fears of a return to civil war.
On Thursday, the South Sudanese government reiterated its denial of the rumors about President Salva Kiir’s death, describing them as “false, malicious, and fabricated by enemies of peace.” Concerns about Kiir’s deteriorating health have persisted for some time.
In recent months, photos have shown the president attending meetings with community leaders and overseeing major government reshuffles. At the same time, he has imposed strict measures against his rival, Vice President Riek Machar, placing him under house arrest and detaining many of his allies.
Rumors of Kiir’s Death Spark Controversy
On Wednesday evening, social media platforms were abuzz with reports-spread by a Kenyan influencer-that Kiir had “passed away.” However, on Thursday, South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement categorically denying “the false and malicious reports circulating on social media about the death of His Excellency President Salva Kiir.” The statement emphasized that the rumors were “completely baseless and irresponsible, fabricated by enemies of peace, development, state-building, and stability.”
Political Tensions and Fears of Civil War
These rumors come amid renewed clashes between forces loyal to Kiir and those supporting Machar in several parts of the country, fueling fears of a return to the civil war that has plagued South Sudan in recent years.
(France 24 / AFP)
