South Sudan’s government has firmly denied widespread social media rumours that President Salva Kiir has died, calling the claims false and malicious.
Speculation about the 73-year-old leader’s health intensified late Wednesday, with online posts—including one from a popular Kenyan personality—alleging that Kiir had “kicked the bucket.”
In response, South Sudan’s foreign ministry issued a strong statement on Thursday, 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 are entirely baseless and irresponsible rumours fabricated by enemies of peace, development, nation building and stability,” the ministry added.
President Kiir, who has led the country since its independence in 2011, has been the subject of persistent rumours regarding his health. However, he has appeared in public frequently in recent months, hosting foreign dignitaries and implementing sweeping government changes.
He also recently intensified his political crackdown on long-time rival and First Vice-President Riek Machar, placing him under house arrest and detaining several of his allies.
The rumours of Kiir’s death come at a time of renewed tension in South Sudan, as armed clashes erupt between forces loyal to Kiir and Machar in various regions. The violence has raised concerns of a potential relapse into civil war, threatening the country’s fragile peace.
