South Sudan’s government has firmly rejected rumours circulating online that President Salva Kiir has died, calling the reports false and malicious.
In a statement released Thursday, the foreign ministry said 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.”
The statement condemned the posts as “entirely baseless and irresponsible rumours fabricated by enemies of peace, development, nation building and stability.”
Speculation about the 73-year-old leader’s health resurfaced on social media late Wednesday, with several users, including a prominent Kenyan figure, falsely claiming the president had died.
Despite recurring rumours in recent months, President Kiir has remained active publicly—holding meetings with foreign dignitaries, carrying out major cabinet reshuffles, and tightening control over the government. He has also taken firm steps against First Vice President Riek Machar, placing him under house arrest and detaining several of his allies.
The denial comes amid heightened political tensions and renewed clashes between forces loyal to Kiir and Machar, fueling concerns of a potential return to widespread conflict in the fragile nation.