South Sudan’s Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth has denied reports that the country’s president Salva Kiir has died, describing the circulating rumours as unfortunate.
Since yesterday, there have been rumours circulating on social media speculating President Kiir’s death in Juba.
“Yesterday another mad person decided to put in the media that Salva Kiir is dead, it was also another problem, and I have been receiving calls all over the world that Salva Kiir is dead, and this is done here, this is unfortunate, “said Makuei.
In a press conference in Juba today, Information Minister Michael Makuei threatened to cut off internet services across South Sudan if warmongers continue to circulate rumours in order to cause insecurity in the country.
“Yesterday I was called and asked a clear question, is Salva Kiir dead or alive, this was a direct question, and I said no, this is a mere lie, there is nothing as such, Salva Kiir has not even been sick, he was in the office since morning up to this afternoon, he left the office at 4:30 pm, and at present he is in his house,” he explained.
Insecurity in Juba
Minister Makuei has also denied rumours about ongoing killings in Juba neighbourhoods, while advising citizens not to live under unnecessary tension. “There is no killing of any body, and if there will be any killing, it will be by law, when we apprehend those culprits, we will take them to book, and they will answer,” he said.
Attempted coup d’état
Makuei, who is also the government spokesman, denied rumours about attempted coup being organized by former dissidents of Riek Machar, Equatorians and the Murle tribe in Juba.
“All these are wild rumours which are usually created in order to cause havoc and inculcate fear into the people in Juba, and people are advised to leave Juba claiming that the situation will worsen in Juba this time round,” he said.
Makuei noted that his government is in full control of the security situation across South Sudan.
File photo: Michael Makuei speaking at a press conference in Juba to deny rumours about President Kiir’s death