Fact-check: These shoes (Tex Hazel) weren’t found in South Sudan

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The shoes were invented and used by a cattle thief named Crazy Tex Hazel in 1920 for stealing cows and are currently kept in the Northeastern Nevada Museum in Nevada, USA.

Writer: Jibi Moses 

Suncity Tv, a local blog in South Sudan, posted on the 11th of March, 2023, a story with pictures of homemade wood and leather shoes with a design of two pairs of cow hooves on each, allegedly found in some village in South Sudan, but this claim is false. 

The page with over 7,000 followers describes itself as a Society and Culture website on a mission to change the negative narrative of South Sudan, promoting all the 64 tribes in South Sudan by showcasing their culture and lifestyles and sharing myriads of success stories to keep you inspired had captioned the shoes, “These shoes were found in some village in South Sudan (village name hidden). A cattle thief designed and used it to hide his footprint while on duty.’’

A screenshot of the post by Suncity TV.

Investigation:

On running a Google Reverse Image Search on the picture, several results were brought on the internet 211 check found that the same pictures were first used in 2021 by a Facebook page named Bentiu Tv and Agogo Ayo, a blog named 9GAG, further still the same pictures were posted on Reddit. 

Some sites that previously used this picture can be found here, here, and here. All these pages and blogs clearly explain that these shoes were used by a man called Crazy Tex Hazelwood. He was a notorious cattle thief in America in the year 1920.

In the 1920s, one small-time thief named Crazy Tex Hazelwood made a pair of ingenious boots so he would not get caught stealing cattle from his neighbours. This pair of “boots” look like slippers attached to two cow hooves on each slipper.

These shoes are currently in the Northeast Nevada Museum in Nevada, USA.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds that claim that the shoes in the picture were found in a South Sudanese village is false. The shoes are not found anywhere in South Sudan but were used in the US by a notorious cattle thief  Crazy Tex Hazel. The shoes are kept in the Northeastern Nevada Museum but not in South Sudan.

Fight misinformation in mainstream and alternative media by not being a victim of fake news. Refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or don’t know where it comes from to prevent spreading false information. For more information on our fact-checking process, visit https://211check.org/ or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim. Our team will fact-check it and respond promptly. #FactsMatter

Common misconceptions about fact-checking and information verification

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Fact-checking is an important tool for verifying the accuracy of information in today’s world, and it is vital to be aware of the myths and truths about it.

Writer: Emmanuel Bida Thomas

In today’s world, verifying the accuracy of information is more critical than ever. With the rise of social media and the 24-hour news cycle, it is easy to be bombarded with information, much of which is false or misleading. Fact-checking is the process of verifying the accuracy of the information, and it is an essential tool for anyone who wants to be informed about the world around them.

There are many common myths about fact-checking. One myth is that fact-checking is biased. Fact-checkers are trained to be objective and impartial and use various methods to verify the accuracy of information. However, it is essential to remember that no one is perfect, and there is always the possibility of human error.

Another myth is that fact-checking is only about politics. Fact-checking can be used to verify information about any topic, not just politics. Fact-checkers often fact-check claims made by businesses, celebrities, and other non-political figures.

A third myth is that fact-checking is censorship. Fact-checking is not censorship. It is the process of verifying the accuracy of information. Censorship is the suppression of information that is considered to be objectionable or harmful. Fact-checking is not about suppressing information but ensuring that the information being shared is accurate.

A fourth myth is that fact-checkers are always right. Fact-checkers are human, and they make mistakes. It is important to remember that fact-checking is not a perfect science, and there is always the possibility that a fact-checker could cause an error. If you see a fact-check that you disagree with, you should do your research to verify the information.

A fifth myth is that fact-checking is not necessary. Some people believe fact-checking is unnecessary because they can simply trust their judgment. However, it is essential to remember that we are all susceptible to confirmation bias, which is the tendency to seek information confirming our beliefs. Fact-checking can help us to avoid confirmation bias and to make more informed decisions.

It is essential to be aware of these myths to make informed decisions about the information you consume. If you see a claim you are unsure about, you should do your research to verify the information. You can also use fact-checking websites to help you verify the accuracy of information.

Here are some tips for fact-checking information:

  • Look for credible sources. When trying to verify information, it is crucial to look for credible and reputable sources. You can check the source’s website to see if they have a clear mission statement and if they list their sources. You can also look for fact-checks of the source by other reputable organisations.
  • Be sceptical of sensational headlines. Sensational headlines are often designed to grab your attention but may be inaccurate. Reading the entire article before deciding whether to believe the information is essential.
  • Check the facts. Once you have found a trustworthy source, you can check the facts. Look for evidence to support the claims that are being made. If you can’t find any evidence, or if the evidence is contradictory, then you may want to question the accuracy of the information.
  • Don’t share information you’re not sure about. Before you share information on social media or with others, make sure you are sure that it is accurate. You can avoid spreading misinformation by taking the time to verify the information before you share it.

Fact-checking is an integral part of being an informed citizen. Awareness of the myths about fact-checking and using the tips above can ensure that you get accurate information as a content creator or news consumer.

Fact-check: This job advert is not from the National Population Census

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No, it’s a scam. The National Population Census is not currently hiring.

Writer: Jibi Moses

An advert running mainly in WhatsApp groups, claiming to be from the National Population Census is false.

The advert is too open with minimal information about its origin and where the jobs are located precisely. Clicking the link quickly leads to a better-looking but sketchy interface, with two individuals and the Nigerian National Population Commission logo. Meaning the advert originated or was intended for Nigerians.

The advert strongly advises people to apply as soon as possible and emphasises that they seek qualified and willing people. The form asks for your personal information, including Name, phone number, email and physical address. 

After all this, it will ask you to validate your names. Then it asks you to share with either five WhatsApp groups or 15 individuals as a condition to get to the last stage and, therefore, will get a confirmation email. 

“The reason for NPC Online recruitment is to employ qualified staff who will aid in the successful conduct of the 2023 trial census. They need people who are willing and capable of performing several tasks as required by the National Population Commission. Apply now by filling the below form. Kindly apply below to be selected,” partly reads the advert 

Screenshot of the WhatsApp message

Investigation:

211 Check looked at the Nigerian National Population Census website, the site had no job advertisement, and all its activities were clearly explained.

On running Whois Domain IP on both sites we realised that the two are very different entities as the one for the National Population Census uses its original name, for the job advert uses getoffers-now.online.

Screenshot details of the NPC website 

A screenshot from the advert link website

Due to its virality and believability, the advert has been making rounds in many other countries in East and Central Africa. So, in this case, the government of Uganda came out with a disclaimer for the public to know it’s a fake.

Given the findings above, 211 Check found that the job advert from NPC is a scam intended to siphon people’s details. A process called phishing. Scammers use this skill because it seems attractive and less suspicious. After all, one will be interested in a job which isn’t available in the first place. However, these scams can usually be detected, and one must be vigilant because some jobs are too good to be true.

Fight misinformation in mainstream and alternative media by not being a victim of fake news. Refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or don’t know where it comes from to prevent spreading false information. For more information on our fact-checking process, visit https://211check.org/ or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim. Our team will fact-check it and respond promptly. #FactsMatter

Fact-check: Did NRA South Sudan publish a recruitment advert?

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Yes, it’s true. Recently, the NRA advertised for multiple jobs, and they were all over the internet. 

Writer: Rogers Louis

A copy of a job advertisement from the National Revenue Authority (NRA) surfaced on the internet (Facebook and  WhatsApp groups) between 27th and 28th March 2023, announcing that the NRA calls for applications for several vacancies. The posts were first run on the NRA Facebook page with a  caption.

 NRA is hiring!

Visit the link below for more details.

All the best!

A screenshot of one of the jobs advertised by the NRA.

Investigation

When 211 check.org investigated the NRA South Sudan official website, it found out that the link provided on the https://nra.gov.ss/ website has the job advert.

Immediately the job advert was released to the public, it raised a lot of suspicions and concerns from the crowd because the number of jobs was so many and in a way or so people were doubting. 

Secondly and most importantly, recently early this year, the internet was awash with similar job advertisements from NRA, which turned out to be fake. 211 Check Fact-checked early this year, and it saved a lot of people since then, many have been suspicious of such job alerts.

Here is the official NRA SS website https://nra.gov.ss/ you can visit and confirm the information, and there is a part for Careers whereby Vacancies are found or otherwise if they contract a third party to conduct the information and announce it.

By double-checking everything, investigate all the adverts and news surfacing online on  Facebook, WhatsApp, and other websites. It must appear on at least many other websites, not only one, but claims which are scams can also lead to catastrophic results for example, when you press it, you will be directed to a different website and during the direction, your connection to a fake webpage your credentials are copied and sent to the hacker by the (Virus/Warm etc.), and it is hazardous because some sensitive personal information is stolen and shared or sold to the highest bidder and as a result may be some bank accounts will have some amount withdrawn or email or Facebook account will be hijacked, and you will be requested to pay a ransom (Ransomware).

Conclusion:

The above analysis found that NRA South Sudan advertised the jobs, and on many occasions, they came out to encourage the public to apply. 

It is always good to be vigilant and cautious while online. The internet is full of both safe and dangerous information. Having basic fact-checking and verification skills is necessary and paramount for everyone.

Fight misinformation in mainstream and alternative media by not being a victim of fake news. Refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or don’t know where it comes from to prevent spreading false information. For more information on our fact-checking process, visit https://211check.org/ or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim. Our team will fact-check it and respond promptly. #FactsMatter

Fact-check: Did this woman run mad somewhere in South Sudan?

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Pictures of a bride who ran mad on her traditional marriage didn’t happen in South Sudan, and they are believed to have occurred somewhere in Uganda.

Writer: Jibi Moses

Suncity TV, a Facebook page, recently ran a story with pictures of a bride who allegedly ran mad in South Sudan.

“Bride goes mad during her traditional marriage somewhere in South Sudan. Eyewitness gali she snatched someone’s husband,” partly reads the caption. 

A screenshot of the post by Suncity TV

Investigation:

A Google reverse image search by 211 Check returns the same picture used on the internet by many other sources with different stories behind it. Edujan  don.com, A Nigerian online blog, ran a story with these pictures claiming the incident happened in Masaka, a district in central Uganda, on the 7th of March, 2023. 

The face of Malawi, a Malawian online news site, ran a similar one on the 9th of March 2023, claiming the incident happened in Tanzania. Finally, Tica Saviour, based in Nigeria, also claimed the act occurred in Nigeria. Raphael Abusari made a TikTok video, although it had no excruciating details. 

A screenshot from Raphael’s TikTok video

Conclusion:

211 Check finds the claim false. Given the above evidence, although the picture’s origin isn’t clearly defined, there’s enough evidence that it didn’t happen anywhere in South Sudan. 

Fight misinformation in mainstream and alternative media by not being a victim of fake news. Refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or don’t know where it comes from to prevent spreading false information. For more information on our fact-checking process, visit https://211check.org/ or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim. Our team will fact-check it and respond promptly. #FactsMatter

Fact-check: Did President Kiir cry on his return  from the tour in Bahr el Ghazal?

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No, this picture of the president is old  taken way earlier in 2018, and has been on the internet for a long time.

Writer: Jibi Moses

A picture of South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir was shared by Junub Sudan Press on 23 March 2023 in a post that went viral. The post attracted around 70 reactions, 40 comments and 29 shares in 20 hours. 

“Breaking News!!.

President Kiir shades tears on arrival from Bahr-el-ghazal after he was shown the current rate of Dollar against SSP and handed a short list of five hungry and incapacitated politicians who had submitted their interests for the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning Docket under the drowning leadership of Dier Tong Ngor and Governor of Central Bank.

What made His Excellency cry was the fact that James Deng Wal and Barnaba Marial Benjamin has forged into……,” partly reads the caption.

A screenshot of the post used by Junub South Sudan

On running a Google reverse image search on the picture, Google lenses returned many results showing that the picture has been used before. The first time it was used was in 2018 by 

South Sudan in Focus.

AFTABOSS a website used the same image in 2018 with a title that ran as the 13 theories of political crisis in South Sudan and in 2021 it was used by Ramciel Tip-toe-Top, with a heading Facts about the president of South Sudan, H.E SALVA KIIR MAYARDIT. 

The same image was used by Akuot Chol on Getty Images. Meanwhile the Photos of H.E President Salva Kiir taken when he was arriving yesterday from his tour shows otherwise as seen in the official page Office of the president -Republic of South sudan.

A screenshot of the image of the president yesterday when he touched Juba

Conclusion:

Given the evidence above collected by 211 check. This image of the president was not taken yesterday when he arrived Juba. He was not crying either as portrayed by the writer. This was an old picture which dates back to 2018.

Fight misinformation in mainstream and alternative media by not being a victim of fake news. Refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or don’t know where it comes from to prevent spreading false information. For more information on our fact-checking process, visit https://211check.org/ or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim. Our team will fact-check it and respond promptly. #FactsMatter

Fact-check: Did Pope Francis say celibacy can be revised? Yes, he did

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He did, during a celebration ceremony of his tenth Papal year. When asked by Infobae whether celibacy could be revised, Francis answered that it could. He added that Celibacy in the Western Church is a “temporary prescription… It is not eternal like priestly ordination.”

Writer: Jibi Moses

A blog post by suncitytvsouthsudan claims Pope Francis said celibacy could be revised. “In a new interview, Pope Francis discussed the possibility of revising the Western discipline of celibacy. Priestly celibacy…” the blog post says in part.

A similar post was published on Phoenix news: “Pope Francis says Catholic Church banning priests from engaging in sex is ‘temporary.”

Screenshot of a post by suncity 

The post is seen on Phoenix. 

Searches on Bing and Google return many results confirming the claim’s accuracy. Pope Francis was in defence of saying that celibacy is a temporary prescription.

“When asked by Infobae whether celibacy could be revised, Francis answered that it could. He added that Celibacy in the Western Church is a “temporary prescription… It is not eternal like priestly ordination,”  a caption from an article reads.

Some of the explanations can be found here, here, and here. In addition to the articles, there are some videos too 1, 2, 3. The Fox News Channel clarified that the church banning clerics from sex is ‘Temporal’.

So, what is celibacy?

Clerical celibacy is the requirement in certain religions that some or all clergy members be unmarried. Clerical celibacy also requires abstention from deliberately indulging in sexual thoughts and behaviour outside of marriage because these impulses are considered sinful. The practice has been in the catholic for almost over 1000 years. According to Wikipedia, it was made a prerequisite for one to take a religious role. And it was started by the forefathers in the church. According to Quora, celibacy was introduced by Gregory the Great.

In 1322 Pope John XXII insisted that no one bound in marriage—even if unconsummated—could be ordained unless there was full knowledge of the requirements of Church law. If the free consent of the wife had not been obtained, the husband, even if already ordained, was to be reunited with his wife, the exercise of his ministry being barred. Accordingly, the assumption that a wife might not want to give up her marital rights may have been one of the factors contributing to the eventual universal practice in the Latin Church of ordaining only unmarried men.

Despite all the Clergy suggestions about celibacy and marriage, when asked whether the practice would draw more people into the church, He replied that he didn’t think so because there have been priests with wives and children, especially in the East.  

There has always been a lot of controversy around priests and keeping this command which they take as an oath before God to serve Him diligently. The Church has been grappling with it, with some cases reported and sorted while many remain in the dark, as seen here, here, and here.

Conclusion:

Yes, it is true that Pope Francis, during an interview marking his tenth year of  Papal journey,  was recorded saying that celibacy can be revised because it’s temporary. Similarly, he said the Church denying priests sex is equally temporary.

Fight misinformation in mainstream and alternative media by not being a victim of fake news. Refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or don’t know where it comes from to prevent spreading false information. For more information on our fact-checking process, visit https://211check.org/ or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim. Our team will fact-check it and respond promptly. #FactsMatter

 Fact-check: Is a new ocean forming in East Africa? Yes, scientists say so

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The formation of a new ocean in East Africa, expected to occur in a million years due to the movement of tectonic plates pushing in opposite directions and creating a chasm, is a gradual process, as indicated by scientists.

Writer: Jibi Moses 

Voice of Juba, a Facebook page posted on the 18th March 2023, pictures of some parts of the globe, mainly the African continent, with claims that Scientists have discovered a new ocean forming as Africa begins to split.

The post claimed this discovery could see East Africa forming its separate continent. South Sudan, Zambia and Uganda could one day have their coastlines if the land mass continues to separate. 

A screenshot of the post by Voice of Juba

Investigation:

On carrying out Google and Bing searches, several results show that there is a possibility of an Ocean forming in East Africa, given the presence of the rift Valley backed by scientific evidence. The rift Valley spreads itself from the southern part of Africa to the East African countries of Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia and connects to the Red Sea. 

However, these sources clearly state that this process would take millions of years to happen as it’s gradual. These explanations are seen here below as 1, 2, 3, 4. Besides, these youtube videos explain more 1, 2.

“This is the only place on Earth where you can study how a continental rift becomes an oceanic rift,” said Christopher Moore, a PhD doctoral student at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, who has been using satellite radar to monitor volcanic activity in East Africa that is associated with the continent’s breakup.

It’s thought that Africa’s new ocean will take at least between five million and ten million years to form.

The East African Valley:

The East African Rift (EAR) or East African Rift System (EARS) is an active continental rift zone in East Africa. The EAR began developing around the onset of the Miocene, 22–25 million years ago.[1] In the past, it was considered part of a larger Great Rift Valley that extended north to Asia Minor.

A narrow zone, the rift is a developing divergent tectonic plate boundary where the African Plate is splitting into two tectonic plates, called the Somali Plate and the Nubian Plate, at a rate of 6-7 mm per year.[2] The rift system consists of three microplates, the Victoria Microplate to the north and the Rovuma and Lwandle microplates to the south. The Victoria Microplate is rotating anti-clockwise for the African plate. Its rotation is caused by the configuration of mechanically weaker and stronger lithospheric regions in the East African Rift system.

In addition to this description, many geologists and geological houses have described it as here here here, here, and here, 

Tectonic plates and  forces:

A tectonic plate (a lithospheric plate) is a massive, irregularly shaped solid rock, generally composed of continental and oceanic lithosphere. Plate size can vary greatly, from a few hundred to thousands of kilometres across; the Pacific and Antarctic Plates are among the largest. There are seven significant plates; Pacific Plate, North American Plate, Eurasian Plate, African Plate, Antarctic Plate, Indo-Australian Plate, and South American Plate. 

Meanwhile, Tectonic forces refer to the forces or conditions within the earth that cause crust movements. designating the results of such movements: tectonic valleys. These forces are significant in forming the continents and subsequent features like rift valleys and lakes.

Conclusion:

Given the evidence from science that East Africa is within the East African Rift Valley System, which is active as evidenced by the active volcanic mountains and the changes (expansion) of the rift valley every year and in addition, the proof by science that tectonic plate (African Plate) on which the East African part of the continent lies are moving apart over time, it is true that a new ocean is forming in East Africa. The Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea will flood over the Afar region and into the East African Rift Valley and become a new ocean, and that part of East Africa will become its own separate small continent.

However, this is expected to happen in a million years to come, as these changes are happening in a very gradual process.

Fight misinformation in mainstream and alternative media by not being a victim of fake news. Refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or don’t know where it comes from to prevent spreading false information. For more information on our fact-checking process, visit https://211check.org/ or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim. Our team will fact-check it and respond promptly. #FactsMatter

Fact-check: These images are not of a protest in Nairobi, Kenya

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It is false that the pictures shared on Sixty 4 Tribes Press are about a protest in Kenya which allegedly destroyed a vehicle belonging to the South Sudan Embassy in Nairobi.

Writer: Beatrice Amude Paulino

Sixty 4 Tribes Press, a controversial Facebook page, posted a report on March 20, 2023, that protestors in Kenya had badly shattered a South Sudan embassy vehicle in Nairobi.

“A South Sudan embassy vehicle in Nairobi has been badly shattered by protesters as protests heightened in the Kenya capital,” the post reads.

The Sixty 4 Tribes Press, a Facebook page with over 57,000 followers, has been in the limelight for sharing hate speech and misinformation-related content.

However, the claim is false because according to Google Lens searches here, here, and here, the pictures shared and posted were used on different pages, years and in different countries and not from a recent incident in Kenya. 

A screenshot of Sixty 4 Tribes Press claims that the images are from Kenya

The picture was used on August, 23,2016 in Mamelodi, South Africa, on the  Pretoria News Facebook page

It was taken near the Heatherly Cemetery in Mamelodi East, following fracas over a housing controversy, and credited to Oupa Mokoena of Pretoria News. Police were forced to use a stun grenade to disperse the crowd, sending people running for cover.

A picture on Twitter(@omwambaKE) showing a particular live scene from Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) 

Conclusion:

211 Check finds the claim that protestors have destroyed a South Sudan embassy vehicle in Nairobi, Kenya false

The pictures were randomly collected from the internet to fabricate a story which has not occurred anywhere in Nairobi, Kenya in the wake of the announcement of the Pro Raila protest.

Fight misinformation in mainstream and alternative media by not being a victim of fake news. Refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or don’t know where it comes from to prevent spreading false information. For more information on our fact-checking process, visit https://211check.org/ or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim. Our team will fact-check it and respond promptly. #FactsMatter

Fact-check: These images are not of a man named Bismark in Juba

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It is false that a man named Bismark was admitted to the Juba teaching hospital for skinning his tattooed chest. The picture is of a National Unity Platform (NUP) activist Eric Mwesigwa who was allegedly detained and tortured on his chest.

Writer: Beatrice Amude Paulino

Suncity TV, a Facebook page having about 5,470 followers, posted on the 10th March 2023 a story and pictures of a man purportedly called Bismark, who was admitted to Juba Teaching hospital in South Sudan after he reportedly skinned off his girlfriend’s name tattooed on his chest during the good times of their relationship.

“Suncity met with Bismark this morning from Juba Teaching Hospital. He said the lady broke up with him after graduating from the University of Juba…,” the post reads in part.

The claim is, however, false and here is why.

Photos used by Suncity TV claiming to be of the same man Bismark. 

Two Google reverse image searches here and here using the above pictures show the first image used by these Facebook pages were first used as seen here 1, 2,3. In all of these scenarios, they were different times when the picture was used. One post was captioned, “Phiona, where are you? See how the boychild has loved you.”

The second picture, however, is of a National Unity Platform (NUP) activist Eric Mwesigwa who was allegedly detained and tortured on his chest and burnt with some metals (allegedly flat iron) by the Ugandan Security Services. The following people reported about him, as seen here; ChimpReports, The Observer, YouTube, Twitter, and Sudhir Byaruhanga.

Photo of NUP activist Eric Mwesigwa who was detained and tortured allegedly by Ugandan Security Services. 

Conclusion: 

211 Check finds the claim that a man in Lologo, a neighbourhood in Juba, South Sudan, is reported to have skinned his girlfriend’s name tattooed on his chest false.

The pictures were randomly collected from the internet to fabricate a story which has not occurred anywhere in South Sudan.

Fight misinformation in mainstream and alternative media by not being a victim of fake news. Refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or don’t know where it comes from to prevent spreading false information. For more information on our fact-checking process, visit https://211check.org/ or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim. Our team will fact-check it and respond promptly. #FactsMatter