Misinformation that is purposely created to spread fear, cause panic, and has the potential to cause individual or communal harm.

Fact-check: Does this photo show a man who added HIV- infected blood to Pepsi products?

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No, the image under investigation was first published nearly ten years ago, depicting the extradition of a terrorism suspect from Sudan to Nigeria. However, the claim fails to specify the location or time of the incident referenced in the post.

Writer: Beatrice Amude Paulino

An image circulating on WhatsApp claiming that people should avoid consuming any products from the Pepsi Company for a few weeks due to an alleged incident where a worker supposedly added his HIV-infected blood to the beverages firm products is FALSE.

The image shows a man in handcuffs being escorted by police and is accompanied by a message stating that Sky News reported the incident.

A screenshot from the WhatsApp group describes the above situation. 

Investigation:

According to a Google Lens Search of the image, the photo was shared after the arrest of the alleged Nyanya bombing mastermind, Aminu Ogwuche.

Further investigation by 211 Check confirmed that the photo depicts Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche, who was arrested in Sudan and later extradited to Nigeria after the Nyanya bomb attack in Nigeria’s Federal Capital. According to the Nigerian site Premium Times, Ogwuche was handed over to the Nigerian police on 15 July 2014.

In another related finding, Vishvas News conducted a fact-check on 15 July 2020. It debunked a claim stating that the man in the photo contaminated Cadbury products with his alleged HIV-positive blood.

However, it’s important to note that according to the Centre for Food Safety and the World Health Organization, HIV cannot be transmitted through water or food because the virus does not survive long outside the human body. Additionally, if food contains a small amount of HIV-infected blood or semen, the virus is destroyed when exposed to air, heat from cooking, and stomach acids.

Elsewhere, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has indicated that the only case where food infected with HIV blood could potentially affect people is if a mother or caregiver who is HIV positive chooses to give pre-chewed food from their mouth to an infant.

Conclusion:

211 Check has found that the claim that a man put his HIV-infected blood in Pepsi products is false and misleading. 

This fact check was published by 211 Check with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and the African Fact-Checking Alliance.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter 

Fact-check: Was the Iranian President’s trip to Kenya cancelled?

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No, The visit by the Iranian President to Kenya was not cancelled due to a warning from the U.S. government; the visit took place, and both Kenyan and Iranian presidents signed memoranda of understanding to further the relationships.

Writer: Ochaya Jackson

A video shared on Facebook by Fuata Nyuki-Wa Kungu claiming that the Iranian President’s visit to Kenya was cancelled is false and misleading. The video, shared on 12 July 2023, contains narration and is accompanied by text stating that Kenya’s president, William Ruto, was panicking after the US warned him not to accord the Iranian president, Ebrahim Raisi, a state visit to Kenya.

“Ruto has been going all over Africa, chest thumping how Africans should be trading in their currencies away from the dollar. But a simple warning from [the] USA sends him in a panic, causing a diplomatic blunder, after he’s forced by the Western powers not to accord the Iranian President a State visit,” reads the post. 

The video’s narration transcript reads: 

“Imagine this, you are the president of Iran and you are about to embark on a historic tour of Africa, the first of by an Iranian leader in over a decade. You have been invited by the President of Kenya, who wants to boost trade and cooperation with your country. But then something goes wrong at the last minute, you are informed that your visit has been downgraded to an official visit meaning no state courtesies, no pomp and ceremony, no red carpet treatment. You are shocked and insulted by the sudden change of plans. You wonder what could have caused this snub. Is it pressure from the U.S. which imposed sanctions on your country? Is it fear of backlash from Israel which considers you a threat? Is it a sign of disrespect from Kenya which has closer ties with your rivals. You decided to cancel your visit and demand an explanation. You feel angry and betrayed by this diplomatic blunder. You wonder if Kenya is a reliable partner or puppet of the West. This is not a fictional scenario. This is what happened to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi who was supposed to arrive in Kenya today for a state visit. Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the visit was rescheduled to allow finalisation of key MOUs that are central to the furtherance of relations. But sources say Kenya changed its mind due to certain reasons that have not been disclosed. Iran has cancelled the visit and is waiting for an apology from Kenya. A high level crisis meeting is currently ongoing at the state house trying to resolve the matter and find ways of convincing President Raisi to come to Kenya. What do you think about this situation? How do you feel about Kenya’s decision? How do you think Iran will react?” 

211 Check investigation: 

According to a media report reviewed by 211 Check, the Iranian President was welcomed with a red carpet in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, on Wednesday, 12 July 2023.

Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi inspects the guard of honour during his state visit at the State House in Nairobi on 12 July 2023. © AFP/Simon Maina

Additionally, according to a K24TV video tweet, the Kenyan President said his country had witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on communication and information technology, fisheries, animal health, and livestock production with Raisi upon his visit to Kenya.

From left Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, accompanied by Kenya President William Ruto (middle), courtesy K24 TV.

The visit was initially slated for Tuesday, 11 July 2023. Still, according to the Kenya Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as per the media report, it was rescheduled for Wednesday to give room for the finalisation memorandum of the understanding.

“The President of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, was scheduled to arrive in the country for a visit today [Tuesday]. The visit allowed the two countries to review and re-energize their bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of the people of the two countries. The schedule of the President [of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi] has now been reviewed to allow for the finalisation of key MoUs central to further relations. The Iranian President will now arrive tomorrow [Wednesday 12th, July 2023]  for a State Visit,” reads part of the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement as quoted by the media.

“The President will be at the State House at 7.00 am tomorrow [Wednesday] for a bilateral meeting. He will, after that, proceed to lay a wreath at the Mausoleum of the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta before proceeding to tour other African countries,” the ministry added.

In addition to that, Dr. Alfred N. Mutua, the Kenyan Cabinet Secretary of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, tweeted that President William Ruto held high-level bilateral talks with his counterpart, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and the five memoranda of understanding signed laid the basis for continued socio-economic cooperation.

The Iranian President’s tour to Africa also took him to Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Conclusion:

The visit by the Iranian President to Kenya was not cancelled due to a warning from the U.S. government; the visit took place, and both Kenyan and Iranian presidents signed memoranda of understanding to further the relationships between the two countries.

This fact check was published by 211 Check with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and African Fact-Checking Alliance.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s important to fight misinformation and disinformation in media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter 

Fact-check: Was this how Juba looked in 2002, 2003, and 2004?

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No, the photo shows a place in rural Lesotho.

Writer: Ochaya Jackson

A Facebook post by Christian Kur Dengdit falsely shared a photo of a place in Lesotho, claiming it shows Juba’s landscape in 2002, 2003, and 2004.

The photo is one of four meant to show the gradual changes in Juba’s appearance and compares it to another photo of Juba in recent years. 

“Changes never just happen now and then, it takes time to work out….see Juba and UoJ [University of Juba] in previous yrs and currently, and otherwise we’re very proud now and happy on our land (sic),” reads part of the text accompanying the photos.

       The screenshot of the Facebook post by Christian Kur Dengdit

The claim by Dengdit also featured pictures of the University of Juba tower dating back to 2008, 2009 and the university’s current modernised building.

The post’s author also tagged the University of Juba Vice Chancellor, Professor John Akec and 16 other Facebook users.

Prof. Akec then  re-shared the post  on his timeline,  terming it an “interesting reflection” while charging that “change is not automatic.”

“Interesting reflection… Change takes time. It doesn’t happen overnight. Change is not automatic, either. Most of the development is private-sector funded. Few buildings are public, I think,” wrote Prof. John as he shared the claim, which attracted hundreds of reactions. 

The screenshot of Prof. John Akec Facebook timeline after sharing the claim

The photo has also been shared on Facebook in the past, where the author claimed it was Juba in 2004 before the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).

Investigation

However, 211 Check investigated and traced the origin of the photo using Google Lens, and it appeared that it is a place in rural Lesotho, a country in Southern Africa. The image was also featured in an article by PV Magazine, which published a story in 2019 about a solar project in Lesotho. 

Pxhere describes the image as a high-resolution picture taken from  Lesotho and is free to download.

“The free high-resolution photo of landscape, town, village, ruins, Bergdorf, slum, wadi, Karg, ancient history, Lesotho, rondavels, human settlement taken with an unknown camera 02/13 2017 The picture taken with The image is released free of copyrights under Creative Commons CC0. You may download, modify, distribute, and use them royalty free for anything you like, even in commercial applications. Attribution is not required.”

Lesotho, Mountain Village, Round smelters image, Source: Hebieser, Pixabay

Other sources that used the image are African News, Pixabay and Apolitical, which ran a story on the state of the health sector in Lesotho which featured the same photo.

Conclusion:

211 Check has found that the picture claimed to show Juba’s landscape in 2002, 2003, and 2004 is false and misinforms the public. The photo is of a place in the rural area of Lesotho and has been used freely and several times on the internet.

This fact check was published by 211 Check with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and African Fact-Checking Alliance.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It is crucial to fight against misinformation and disinformation in mainstream and alternative media by avoiding becoming a victim of fake news. To prevent the spread of false information, you must refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or unaware of its origin. Disinformation and misinformation can be incredibly dangerous because they can mislead people and cause harm. For instance, false information on health matters can lead to wrong decisions that can put people’s lives at risk. Therefore, it’s vital to fact-check information before sharing it to promote accurate and reliable information. Visit https://211check.org/ for more details on our fact-checking process, or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 if you want to present a claim. Our team will promptly respond to your request because we believe #FactsMatter.

HOAX: This Google Form advertising jobs in Canada is a scam

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The work permit application criteria on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada website does not include filling out a Google Form.

Writer: PesaCheck

This Google Form on Facebook with instructions on how to apply for jobs in Canada is a HOAX.

The form claims there is a massive recruitment targeting Kenyans seeking employment in Canada.

The purported Google Form makes reference to the labour migration framework announced on 2 May 2023 by President William Ruto that Kenya and Canada are working to enable more Kenyans to get skilled jobs in the North American country.

However, communication by the IRCC and Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not indicate that the procedure to apply for Canadian jobs includes filling out a Google Form, such as the one we are investigating.

The Google Form lists bakery workers, truck drivers, housekeepers, gardeners, nannies, chefs, plumbers, and janitors, among others, as the jobs Kenyans should apply for.

Curiously, the qualifications for employment are basic despite some of the jobs listed requiring professional expertise. They include that the job seeker must be 18 years and above, be conversant in English, be disciplined, and ready to work in Canada.

The Google Form further promises a remuneration package of CAD$69,500 (KSh5,370,000) and above per year. It also promises free Kenyan passport application, Canadian visa application, air ticket, and accommodation in Canada, among other benefits.

The form includes an image that is irrelevant to Canadian immigration. A reverse image search shows that the photograph was taken in November 2022, when President Ruto oversaw an agreement between Kenya and Fortescue Future Industries, an Australia-based multinational firm, to fast-track the development of affordable green fertiliser.

Further, the Google Form lists an 11-step procedure for applying for jobs in Canada, including paying a registration fee of KSh850 to a provided number to qualify.

The mobile money transaction message shows that the registration fee has been sent to Airswift Services.

On 16 May 2023, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua cautioned Kenyans against falling prey to cons purporting to offer jobs in Canada.

Mutua tweeted: “Please be wary of agencies that say they are recruiting for Canadian firms. We are aware that some Kenyans have been conned by some agencies and you therefore need to be careful so that you are not swindled. I will be providing a list of Canadian Government approved consultants (under the College of Immigration and Citizenship approved consultants.”

Additionally, information on the IRCC website states that people seeking jobs in Canada should consult its website to determine the programmes for which they may be eligible.

The procedure for applying for a work permit in Canada depends on the applicant’s varied circumstances and does not include filling out any Google Form as claimed.

PesaCheck has examined the Google Form with instructions on how to apply for jobs in Canada and found it to be a HOAX.

This post is part of an ongoing series of PesaCheck fact-checks examining content marked as potential misinformation on Facebook and other social media platforms.

Debunking the Mosquito Coil Lung Disease Myth in South Sudan and Ghana (2016)

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There is no clear evidence that long-term exposure to mosquito coil smoke increases the risk of more severe health impacts such as lung cancer, but extended exposure to mosquito coils in enclosed areas should be avoided.

Writer: Jibi Moses

A message claiming that mosquito coils are the common cause of lung cancer in South Sudan and Ghana, making the rounds in WhatsApp groups and private chats, is not supported by substantial evidence.

The message quotes a Medical Journal published in 2016 by Hogarth et al.—Malar, which says that mosquito coil smoke is a potential source of indoor infections and other diseases but did not mention lung cancer. The message, which has pictures of the Zenden brand of Mosquito coil, primarily talks about the dangers of the coil and how it is the leading cause of lung diseases in South Sudan and Ghana.

“Mosquito coils, commonly used as residential insecticides in South Sudan and other African Countries such as Ghana, were the major cause of Lung disease…,” partly reads the message.

The viral message further claims other studies done in Asia show that the insecticide has different chemicals, including chloromethyl, which, the article says, is a highly potent lung carcinogen that can be produced by thermolytic degradation. The content, however, does not have an author or a clear origin.

A screenshot of the circulating message on WhatsApp 

What do we know?

The author quotes the study in his or her article  Malaria  Journal by Jonathan Hogarth, published on February 4, 2016, in Ghana, under the heading Application of Mosquito Repellents, Coils, and Associating Health Issues in Ghana. The report was the final work of research to determine the effectiveness of mosquito coils and repellents and their associated impact. 

The research found that the insecticides were ineffective and posed a health danger but did not explicitly state that it is the cause of lung cancer in South Sudan and Ghana.

A report published by the National Library of Medicine in 2015 by JIE Zhang and others titled Mosquito coil exposure associated with small cell lung cancer: A report of three cases. A research report carried out in Asia on cancer patients was carried out on a few individuals who previously worked with a mosquito coil-producing company. The information admits insecticides have chloromethyl, a highly potent lung carcinogen. However, the report says the significance of exposure is uncertain.

“Mosquito coils, commonly used as residential insecticides in Asia, contain different concentrations of octachlorodipropyl ether (S-2) as a synergist or an active ingredient. As bis(chloromethyl) ether (BCME) is an extremely potent lung carcinogen that can be produced by the thermolytic degradation of S-2, contact with mosquito coils is likely to expose individuals to a certain level of BCME and therefore increase the risk of lung cancer. However, the significance of exposure is uncertain as clinical and epidemiological studies concerning mosquito coil users and workers are lacking….” 

The report concludes that contact with mosquito coils will likely expose individuals to a level of S-2 that may increase the risk of SCLC but does not concretely say mosquito coils cause cancer. 

What is lung cancer disease?

Penn Medicine defines lung cancer disease as any lung problem that prevents the lungs from working properly. World Health Organisation says The significant risk factors for chronic respiratory diseases include tobacco smoke and other indoor air pollution, allergens, household chemicals, and outdoor pollution. Some leading causes of lung diseases are explained here.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds the claim that mosquito coil is the leading cause of lung diseases unproven. Though the insecticide has some chloromethyl content, the World Health Organisation says tobacco is the leading cause of lung diseases.

In the face of this uncertainty, the essential lesson should be to avoid extended exposure to mosquito coils, particularly in enclosed areas, The Conversation says.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It is crucial to fight against misinformation and disinformation in mainstream and alternative media by avoiding becoming a victim of fake news. To prevent the spread of false information, you must refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or unaware of its origin. Disinformation and misinformation can be incredibly dangerous because they can mislead people and cause harm. For instance, false information on health matters can lead to wrong decisions that can put people’s lives at risk. Therefore, it’s vital to fact-check information before sharing it to promote accurate and reliable information. Visit https://211check.org/ for more details on our fact-checking process, or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 if you want to present a claim. Our team will promptly respond to your request because we believe #FactsMatter.

Fact-check: No, this circular was not issued by WHO

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The messages about habits that hurt the brain have not come from the World Health Organisation. The WHO has nothing to do with these false messages being spread in its name.

Writer: Jibi Moses

A Circular purportedly from the World Health Organization is making rounds on WhatsApp with what they say are the seven causes of brain stroke.

The document begins with an invitingly enticing message written in bold letters as, “Please read this msg carefully and forward it to everyone for knowledge.”

A screenshot of the false circular

Investigations

211Check ran a Reverse Image Search to investigate whether it was from the World Health Organization. The results show that the same claim has been circulating for a long time, and many fact-checking organisations have previously worked on it. Facts Crecendo and Vishvas News are some of the organisations, and they found that WHO did not issue this and that these seven habits don’t cause brain stroke, though they can be dangerous to our health if overdone, according to health experts.

“While the seven habits mentioned in the viral post do not directly lead to brain damage, however, it can cause serious health complications when done in excess”.

What is Brain Stroke?

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, occurs when something blocks the blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. In either case, parts of the brain become damaged or die. A stroke can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or death.

There are mainly two types of stroke, Ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Most strokes are ischemic strokes. An ischemic stroke occurs when blood clots or other particles block the blood vessels in the brain.

On the 29th of October 2016, a report was published by Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh on the WHO South-East Asia website explaining clearly the causes and effects of brain stroke, which he emphasises much as alcohol consumption and over-smoking.

 “People who smoke should quit, and those who drink heavily should cease. These factors alone significantly multiply the likelihood of stroke.”

Fatty deposits called plaque can also cause blockages by building up in the blood vessels. A hemorrhagic stroke happens when an artery in the brain leaks blood or ruptures (breaks open). The leaked blood puts too much pressure on brain cells, which damages them. Also here are some definitions of brain stroke from population health institutions, NHS- UK, Mayo Clinic, NHI, Cleveland and UCLA Health. 

Blood clots and blood leaks in the brain due to vessel ruptures are the main causes of brain stroke. Johns Hopkins Medicine is a medical institution in the US whose mission is to improve the health of the community and the world by setting the standard of excellence in medical education, research and clinical care. Clearly explains the causes, risks factors,  symptoms, Preventive measures and treatment of Brain Stroke.

NHS also explains the causes of brain stroke in this Article and breaks them down as smoking, high blood pressure (hypertension), obesity, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, and excessive alcohol intake; it further goes ahead and explains the Things that increase the risk of high blood pressure include: being overweight, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, smoking, a lack of exercise, stress.

These factors, mainly collaborating, are the leading causes of stroke.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds that the circular in WhatsApp groups, claiming to be creating awareness by spotting the causes of brain stroke, is false and does not originate from WHO.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It is crucial to fight against misinformation and disinformation in mainstream and alternative media by avoiding becoming a victim of fake news. To prevent the spread of false information, you must refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or unaware of its origin. Disinformation and misinformation can be incredibly dangerous because they can mislead people and cause harm. For instance, false information on health matters can lead to wrong decisions that can put people’s lives at risk. Therefore, it’s vital to fact-check information before sharing it to promote accurate and reliable information. Visit https://211check.org/ for more details about our fact-checking process, or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 if you want to present a claim. Our team will promptly respond to your request because we believe #FactsMatter.

Fact-check: Did Gumbo Sherikat Juba witness the demolition of these houses?

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These pictures were from Nigeria, Benue state, where the Authorities destroyed two houses of a notorious kidnapper who used them to keep the kidnapped people.

Writer: Jibi Moses

A Facebook page South Sudan News Agency, posted pictures of an excavator demolishing a house. The page boasts 20 thousand likes and 27 thousand followers and describes itself as a Media/ news company managed in Wau and Juba.

 The tabloid says, “An angry man in Gumbo Sherikat demolished a house that he built for his girlfriend’s parents after they rejected his marriage proposal.”

The post attracted over 100 reactions, 50 comments, and 33 shares in one day. However, Other media in East and West Africa have also posted the same pictures with the same false storyline in Kenya (Kenya Today), Nigeria (Naira land forum) and Uganda (Princess Tina).

A screenshot of the image of the building being demolished as posted on Facebook

Investigations:

Comments and posts from the other three countries prompted 211 Check to investigate. 

A Reverse Image Search on the picture shows the pictures were first used on 28 June 2021 in Nigeria. We also discovered the photos were for two separate houses. The Sun, an online Nigerian Outlet, ran the story with the heading “Police demolish two houses used as kidnap den in Benue ”. The piece by Rose Ejembi, written on the 28th of June 2021, has two pictures of the destroyed houses and another snapshot of the owners taken in handcuffs.

“Two houses belonging to a wanted suspected kidnapper and armed robber known as Aondofa Cephas Chekele (alias Azonto) were demolished Monday by the Benue State government”. 

Abdulazeez Badaru Jikamshi, on the 29th of June 2021, posted the same pictures on a Facebook page called Inside Kaduna with two photos of one of the demolished houses. 

“SECURITY NEWS: Benue State govt demolish two houses allegedly belonging to a notorious kidnapper and armed robber Aondofa Cephas Chekele aka Azonto. The state government said this serves as a warning to Criminals that government will no longer tolerate criminal activities in d state. #SecureNorth #SecureNigeria”  as it appears on his post.

Other sources that wrote about the story are here: Ripples Nigeria, Donkes News Lab, and Benue Chronicles News Online, ANN, among many Nigerian News outlets.

A screenshot of one of the pictures used by the Sun shows the police and the kidnapper.
A screenshot of the images of the houses used by the Sun.

Conclusion:

211 Check has found that the pictures of an excavator demolishing a house claiming to be from Gumbo Shirikat are false. These pictures were from Nigeria, Benue state, where the Authorities destroyed two homes of a notorious kidnapper who used them to keep the kidnapped people.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It is crucial to fight against misinformation and disinformation in mainstream and alternative media by avoiding becoming a victim of fake news. To prevent the spread of false information, you must refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or unaware of its origin. Disinformation and misinformation can be incredibly dangerous because they can mislead people and cause harm. For instance, false information on health matters can lead to wrong decisions that can put people’s lives at risk. Therefore, it’s vital to fact-check information before sharing it to promote accurate and reliable information. Visit https://211check.org/ for more details about our fact-checking process, or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 if you want to present a claim. Our team will promptly respond to your request because we believe #FactsMatter.

Fact-check: Did Hamdan Dagalo visit Kenya for Sudan’s talks last week?

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Hemedti didn’t travel to Kenya last week. The photo of President William Ruto and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo was taken on 05 December 2022 and used on 9 January 2023

Writer: Beatrice Amude Paulino

The Facebook page Radio Dabanga-211 posted on 14- June-2023 that President Dr Willam Ruto is in action to stop Sudan’s conflict as Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, travelled to Kenya for talks. This claim is, however, false.

Radio Dabanga- 211, a page with 7,700 likes and 14,000 followers on Facebook, describes itself as Entrepreneur and was created in December 2021. The post attracted 75 reactions, 17 comments and 34 shares in just four days. 

“Breaking news. President Dr Ruto is in action to stop conflict as soon,” partially reads the post. 

A screenshot of a post used by Radio Dabanga-211. 

This claim came out immediately after the IGAD member states assembled in Djibouti to discuss the region’s future and the current situation in Sudan, where the member states decided to elect President William Ruto to lead the negotiations of the Sudan crisis, assisted by his South Sudanese counterpart, President Salva Kiir.

Did Hamdan Dagalo meet Kenya’s President William Ruto in Kenya on 14th June? Here is what we found out:

211 Check did a reverse image search on the pictures, and we found that the photographs were first used on Twitter by William Ruto himself on the 10th of January, 2023. This was after a political framework agreement was signed on December 5, 2022. 

 “Kenya fully supports the Political Framework Agreement signed on December 5, 2022, between the Transitional Sovereignty Council and the civilian political actors in the sisterly Republic of Sudan, reaffirming a strong commitment to a peaceful future of their country,” the Twitter thread partly reads.

Other screenshots in the same tweet by President William Ruto. 

Conclusion:

211 Check finds the claim that Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as Hemedti, was in Nairobi for talks with President Ruto on 14th June 2023 as false and misleading. The images attached to the claim were first used on the 10th of January, 2023, in a tweet by Kenya’s President William Ruto. We advise the public to be cautious when interacting with such social media posts and verify the authenticity of any claims before acting on them.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It is crucial to fight against misinformation and disinformation in mainstream and alternative media by avoiding becoming a victim of fake news. To prevent the spread of false information, you must refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or unaware of its origin. Disinformation and misinformation can be incredibly dangerous because they can mislead people and cause harm. For instance, false information on health matters can lead to wrong decisions that can put people’s lives at risk. Therefore, it’s vital to fact-check information before sharing it to promote accurate and reliable information. Visit https://211check.org/ for more information on our fact-checking process, or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 if you want to present a claim. Our team will promptly respond to your request because we believe #FactsMatter.

Fact-check: This recruitment exercise is not from NRA South Sudan

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These scams use harmful and phishing URLs to steal valuable information from people. We tell people to be careful when responding to these social media posts and to check the truth of any claims before acting on them.

Writer: Jibi Moses

On 16th June 2023, a post on Facebook claimed that an application was ongoing for a recruitment exercise by the National Revenue Authority, also known as the NRA in South Sudan, but this is false.

The claim has also been shared with a link in WhatsApp groups and private chats by unsuspecting individuals.

“Application is ongoing… hurry now!” partly reads a post on the little-known Info Data Facebook page. This post attracted over 120 reactions, 46 comments and 18 shares.

Screenshot of the Facebook post by Info Data. 

On clicking the link titled “APPLICATION FORM PORTAL,”  one is directed to a platform which claims to be for NRA, with classified jobs and the number of required applications. 

Screenshot of the first page of the link.

Opening the link on a protected gadget warns you not to continue the connection or risk giving your details. Strong anti-virus and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) play a crucial role in protecting us while online.

The link later on demands one to give his name and phone number to get the job. However, after this stage, one is asked to share with at least 15 individuals or five WhatsApp groups. This process lets the malicious link spread so fast as unsuspecting persons think this is the best option to get the job. Unfortunately, at this stage, people’s details are extracted, or this is where we give out our details to scammers.

Further screening on Virustotal, two security vendors flagged the URL as a phishing link and some others as Malicious links.

A malicious URL is a link created with the purpose of promoting scams, attacks, and frauds. When clicked on, malicious URLs can download ransomware, lead to phishing emails, or cause other cybercrime.

Graphically the link is being hosted in the United States of America.

Scammers don’t relax. This year alone, two different scams about jobs from the National Revenue Authority (NRA) on social media have been investigated by 211 Check, as seen here and here. 

Conclusion:

211 Check finds that the advert claiming to be from National Revenue Authority South Sudan is false. These are scams embedded with Malicious and Phishing links intended to steal people’s helpful information. We advise the public to be cautious when interacting with such social media posts and verify the authenticity of any claims before acting on them.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It is crucial to fight against misinformation and disinformation in mainstream and alternative media by avoiding becoming a victim of fake news. To prevent the spread of false information, you must refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or unaware of its origin. Disinformation and misinformation can be incredibly dangerous because they can mislead people and cause harm. For instance, false information on health matters can lead to wrong decisions that can put people’s lives at risk. Therefore, it’s vital to fact-check information before sharing it to promote accurate and reliable information. Visit https://211check.org/ for more information on our fact-checking process, or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 if you want to present a claim. Our team will promptly respond to your request because we believe #FactsMatter.

Fact-check: MTN not giving out 10 GB of free data to its old users in South Sudan

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The circulating WhatsApp message claiming that MTN is giving out 10 GB of free data to its old users in South Sudan is fake and being used by scammers.

Writer: Jibi Moses 

An advert making rounds on social media with MTN pictures claiming to give 10 GB of internet bundles to its old users who have at least one year above is false.

“MTN OLD SIM REWARD. Today we decided to reward all our old customers by giving them 10GB of Free Data,” the WhatsApp message reads in part.

The screenshot of the advert was shared in one of the social media groups.

Screenshot of the malicious webpage

The link has been shared widely with forty-two thousand shares, fifty-three thousand comments, and over 210 thousand reactions. This makes it suspicious. 

What truth does this hold? Is MTN giving 10 GB of free data?

211 Check ran a link scan using Virustotal, an online tool that helps internet users detect malicious links. Three security vendors flagged the URL as malicious. Meanwhile, one flagged it as suspicious. 

Screenshots of the virus total scan results.

MTN South Sudan, through its Facebook, also published a disclaimer with the heading FAKE PROMOTION ALERT and warned the public to stay woke. Previously a similar advert made rounds on social media from MTN Uganda, and 211 Check fact-checked it here.

Screenshot of the MTN South Sudan alert.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds the claim as an advert purporting that MTN South Sudan is offering 10 GB of free data to old customers who have used their sim cards for more than a year false. These scams are embedded with malicious and suspicious links to steal people’s helpful information. We advise the public to be cautious when interacting with such social media posts and verify the authenticity of any claims before acting on them.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It is crucial to fight against misinformation and disinformation in mainstream and alternative media by avoiding becoming a victim of fake news. To prevent the spread of false information, you must refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or unaware of its origin. Disinformation and misinformation can be incredibly dangerous because they can mislead people and cause harm. For instance, false information on health matters can lead to wrong decisions that can put people’s lives at risk. Therefore, it’s vital to fact-check information before sharing it to promote accurate and reliable information. Visit https://211check.org/ for more information on our fact-checking process, or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 if you want to present a claim. Our team will promptly respond to your request because we believe #FactsMatter.