FAKE TWITTER ACCOUNT FOR THE MINISTER OF FINANCE211 Check

Fact-Check: Is this a legitimate Twitter Account for the New Finance Minister?

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Spam, online scams and frauds, identity theft and issues related to online purchases are a serious issue in the online world. Have you come across a suspicious Facebook Page, Instagram or Twitter Account? Do you need help investigating it? We are here for you

By 211 Check Editorial Team

Facebook and Twitter Users were taken by surprise following the emergence of accounts in the names of the new Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, Agak Achuil Lual.

Fake Twitter Account with the names Agak Achuil Lual (@LualMinister)

Are the accounts authentic? Well, we checked and here are our findings:

211 Check made a brief investigation and established that the official twitter account for the minister is: Hon. Agak Achuil Lual (@honagaklual) created on 16th November 2021

https://twitter.com/honagaklual?s=20

His Facebook Page is Hon. Agak Achuil Lual (@honagaklual) also created on 16th November 2021

facebook.com/honagaklual  

A member of the minister’s media team confirmed to 211 Check that the above are the official social media accounts being managed by the Minister’s office.

Conclusion:

Spam, online scams and frauds, identity theft and issues related to online purchases are a serious issue in the online world.

Have you come across a suspicious Facebook Page, Instagram or Twitter Account? Do you need help investigating it? We are here for you

#FactsMatter, Don’t be a victim of fake news; instead, let’s fight misinformation on both mainstream and alternative media. To avoid spreading false information, don’t share content you’re not sure about or don’t know where it came from.

To learn more about our fact-checking process, go to https://211check.org/how-to-fact-check/ or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim, and our team will immediately fact-check it and respond.

JOSEPHINE JOSEPH LAGU SCAM (1)211 Check

Scam Alert: The Business Opportunity on the Facebook Page “Josephine Joseph Lagu Foundation” is a Hoax

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When contacted by 211 Check Josephine Joseph Lagu who is the current minister for Agriculture and Food Security, said the business opportunity is fake and that she has not set up any foundation

By 211 Check Editorial Team

There is an ongoing fake business opportunity being run in a Facebook ad on a page named “Josephine Joseph Lagu Foundation.”

The post claims that following a successful Trade deal between the so called Josephine Joseph Lagu Foundation and the Commonwealth, they had signed a Trade and Investment Agreement to sponsor and invest in small and medium enterprises across South Sudan

Here is the full text:

“Business Sponsorship Opportunity!

Following a successful Trade deal between our Foundation and the Commonwealth, We have signed a Trade and Investment Agreement to sponsor and invest in small and medium enterprises across the country. This investment is aimed at supporting farmers and businessmen to cope with the changing global trends. If you want our foundation to invest in your business/farm kindly read more details and apply via link: https://tinyurl.com/5zbpt95p”

Fake Business Opportunity Post

The post then directs people to click on a link that takes them to the following google form requesting personal information among others:

Google Form of the Fake Business Opportunity

Findings:

211 Check made an investigation and found the following:

The Facebook Page was created yesterday, Friday, 12th November 2021 and immediately ran a paid Facebook ad. Opportunities on new platforms on any digital space are highly suspicious.

We contacted Josephine Joseph Lagu who is the current minister for Agriculture and Food Security, but she denied owning a foundation or being aware of one in her name.

“The business opportunity being run in my name is fake. I have not set up any foundation, neither am I aware of any in my name,” Josephine Lagu told 211 Check Saturday morning.

Conclusion:

The business opportunity being run on the Facebook Page Josephine Joseph Lagu Foundation is a SCAM. There is no legal Foundation named Josephine Joseph Lagu in South Sudan. 

#FactsMatter, Don’t be a victim of fake news; instead, let’s fight misinformation on both mainstream and alternative media. To avoid spreading false information, don’t share content you’re not sure about or don’t know where it came from.

To learn more about our fact-checking process, go to https://211check.org/how-to-fact-check/ or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim, and our team will immediately fact-check it and respond.

SAUNA FACEBOOK POST211 Check

Fact-Check: Does going to the sauna cause male infertility?

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A medical expert tells 211 Check that normally, Exposure to high temperatures, like hot baths and saunas can cause the temperature of the testes to become too hot. This can kill sperm and lower sperm count. However, this effect is only temporary, and counts will go back to normal once the hot tub is avoided.

By 211 Check Editorial Team

“Going to the sauna can cause infertility in men. Your balls are not designed for that kind of temperature!” reads a Facebook post.

Facebook Post Claiming that going to the Sauna causes infertility in men

211 Check, fact-checked the claim:

Findings:

A medical practitioner, in Juba, Case Nicholas Thomas, tells 211 Check that “It is not proven yet, but it is believed that going to the sauna for hot tubs or hot baths can raise the temperature of the testes, eventually killing sperm and lowering sperm count!”

According to him, no study has shown that going to the sauna can cause infertility to men, it is just a belief of the people yet.

Another doctor, Lasu Kenyigo Sallah, tells 211 Check that normally, Exposure to high temperatures, like hot baths and  saunas can cause the temperature of the testes to become too hot. This can kill sperm and lower sperm count. However, this effect is only temporary, and counts will go back to normal once the hot tub is avoided.

He, however, warns that prolonged exposure has a significant effect in the long run. Men’s testicles hang outside basically because the temperature of the body is hot (35.6° to 36.8°). And also when the temperature outside is too cold, they will move inside. This is how they manage their economy. So, it is advisable to avoid prolonged exposure to sauna especially those in mid 30s and above.

A study, conducted by researchers at the University of Padova in Italy, published online in the journal Human Reproduction also says frequent visits to the sauna may lower men’s sperm count, although the effect appears to be temporary. 

Conclusion:

It is NOT PROVEN that going to the sauna can cause male infertility.

Still, most fertility experts would advise that men having trouble conceiving should keep their testicles cool. Hot baths, showers and wearing tight-fitting underwear can all raise the temperature of the testicles.

#FactsMatter, Don’t be a victim of fake news; instead, let’s fight misinformation on both mainstream and alternative media. To avoid spreading false information, don’t share content you’re not sure about or don’t know where it came from.

To learn more about our fact-checking process, go to https://211check.org/how-to-fact-check/ or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim, and our team will immediately fact-check it and respond.

DID 30 IDPS DIE OF HUNGER211 Check

Fact-Check: Have 30 IDPs died of hunger in Ezo County, Western Equatoria State?

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The report that Thirty IDPs from Tambura died of hunger in Ezo County is FALSE and MISLEADING. Both the Ezo County Commissioner and the County County Coordinator for the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission say 15 people died.

By 211 Check Editorial Team

The Dawn Newspaper, an English Daily in South Sudan reported on Tuesday, 9th November that 30 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Tambura County had died of hunger in Tambura, Western Equatoria State.

The Dawn Newspaper Headline on Tuesday, November 09. 2021

“Thirty IDPs from Tambura die of hunger in Ezo County,” reads a headline on the Dawn Newspaper. 

“At least over 25 internally displaced persons are said to have died of starvation in Ezo County of Western Equatoria,” partly reads the report.

Findings:

When contacted by 211 Check, Ezo County Commissioner, Abel Sudan said they have only verified 15  Internally displaced people who have died of starvation across Ezo county.

“Yes, the accurate number of people that can be verified who have lost their lives as a result of hunger on the ground is 15 as of Saturday, 6th November 2021  upon completion of our assessment,” Abel Sudan told 211 Check via phone on Wednesday morning. “The Dawn Newspaper might have misquoted me,” he added.

He also told Radio Miraya on November 9th that 15 of the IDPs died of starvation

Siani Martin, the Coordinator for Relief and Rehabilitation Commission in Ezo County also said in a written note seen by 211 Check that the leader of the Internally Displaced Persons reported a total of 15 deaths “without proper sickness” and linked to lack of food.

Conclusion

The report that Thirty IDPs from Tambura died of hunger in Ezo County is FALSE and MISLEADING. Both the Ezo County Commissioner and the County Coordinator for the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission say 15 people died of hunger related issues.

#FactsMatter, Don’t be a victim of fake news; instead, let’s fight misinformation on both mainstream and alternative media. To avoid spreading false information, don’t share content you’re not sure about or don’t know where it came from.

To learn more about our fact-checking process, go to https://211check.org/how-to-fact-check/ or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim, and our team will immediately fact-check it and respond.

DID MABIOR GARANG FORM NCSS DAYS AFTER MEETING KIIR211 Check

Fact-Check: Did Mabior Garang establish his organization after meeting President Kiir?

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National Conversation South Sudan, Mabior’s organisation, was registered by the South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission in March 2021. This was months ago before his recent meeting with President Salva Kiir

By 211 Check Editorial Team

In a tweet on Wednesday, 3rd November, Eye Radio reported that Mabior John Garang de Mabior has established an organization days after meeting President Salva Kiir in Juba.

According to the report, Mabior is now the chairman of South Sudan National Conversation – a newly registered non-governmental organization based in Juba.

But, was the organisation truly established after Mabior’s meeting with President Kiir? Well, we checked it:

Findings:

A look at the organization’s digital platforms on Web, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter shows that it has been in existence long before now, at least from September 2020.

Further investigation also reveals that the National Conversation South Sudan was registered by the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) on 24th March 2021 as a national organisation as seen in its registration certificate below:

Certificate of Registration for the National Conversation South Sudan

Conclusion:

The report that Mabior John Garang de Mabior established his organization days after meeting President Salva Kiir in Juba is FALSE and MISLEADING. Mabior’s organisation, the National Conversation South Sudan was legally registered in March 2021 months before this meeting.

#FactsMatter, Don’t fall victim to fake news; let’s fight the spread of misinformation on both mainstream and alternative media. To avoid spreading false information, don’t rush into sharing content that you aren’t sure of or you don’t know its origin.To know more about our fact-checking process, visit:  https://211check.org/how-to-fact-check/    or send us a WhatsApp Message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim, our team will immediately fact-check it and send you a feedback.

FALSE CLAIM ABOUT JOHN FROG FROG APPEARING ON TOP 20 CHART SOUND CITY AFRICA211 Check

Fact-Check: Did John Frog feature in the Sound City Africa Top 20 Chart?

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Singer John Frog claimed two days ago that he featured in the Top 20 Chart of Sound City Africa on 26/10/2021. Did he really appear in the list or at least was there an October Top 20 Chart on Sound City Africa? Here is the truth:

By Emmanuel Bida Thomas

South Sudanese singer John Frog claimed two days ago in a Facebook post that he had featured in the Top 20 Chart of Sound City Africa. In the post that has since got 1,900 reactions, 194 comments and 7 shares, John Frog said, “We are trending in Lagos. The land of in-laws. Thanks Sound City Africa for Recognition. I really Appreciate”

Misleading Chart shared by John Frog

While most of his audience believed the singer indeed appeared in the list, some people were skeptical, with comments such as “Photoshop.” 211 Check decided to investigate.

Findings:

A look at the posters shared by the singer on his official Facebook page shows that the chart dated: 26th October 2021 is not genuine. It is a manipulation of the Sound City Africa Top 20 chart shared on its Twitter Handle on 16th April 2021.

The list is literally the same, the singer, John Frog and his graphics designer just changed the date from 16/04/2021 to 26/10/2021 and the No. 17 song from “WORLD – DANGBANA REPUBLIK & BELLA SHMURDA” to “KEBIIR WARA – JOHN FROG”

Original Chart 18/04/2021
Manipulated Chart 26/10/2021

                                   

Sound City Africa, a music and lifestyle television and radio network did not share any Top 20 Chart on 26th October 2021 as claimed by singer John Frog. We checked all its digital platforms but could not find an October Top 20 Chart.

Conclusion:

The claim by John Frog that he appeared on the top 20 Chart of Sound City Africa on 26th October 2021 is FALSE. He manipulated a 16th April 2021 Chart using a graphics software.

#FactsMatter, Don’t fall victim to fake news; let’s fight the spread of misinformation on both mainstream and alternative media. To avoid spreading false information, don’t rush into sharing content that you aren’t sure of or you don’t know its origin.

To know more about our fact-checking process, visit:  https://211check.org/how-to-fact-check/   or send us a WhatsApp Message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim, our team will immediately fact-check it and send you a feedback.

Bor Town Bans Trousers211 Check

Fact-Check: Have Authorities in Bor, Jonglei State banned women from wearing trousers and miniskirts?

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By 211 Check Editorial Team

For the past few weeks, women in Bor, Jonglei State have been banned from putting on trousers and/or miniskirts.

According to a disclaimer seen by 211 Check, “If your girlfriend or wife is coming here (Bor, Jonglei State) with trousers or miniskirts, let her prepare to be beaten by the army.”

We were contacted to verify.

Findings

When 211 Check contacted the head of joint operations in Bor, he said it was true that women in the area are no longer allowed to put on trousers or mini skirts.

“Modesty” is the reason. Brig. Gen. Ajak Ayuen who has been tasked to implement the order says. “We are restoring traditional dress culture that has been destroyed by young people,” he added.

Ajak Ayuen, head of joint operations force in Bor town says the order was from the state security committee.

Women found putting on trousers are usually asked to go back home and change whereas those who resist are usually arrested.

Conclusion

It is true that authorities in Bor, Jonglei State have banned the wearing of trousers and mini-skirts for women in the area.

#FactsMatter, Don’t fall victim to fake news; let’s fight the spread of misinformation on both mainstream and alternative media. To avoid spreading false information, don’t rush into sharing content that you aren’t sure of or you don’t know its origin.
To know more about our fact-checking process, visit:  https://211check.org/how-to-fact-check/   or send us a WhatsApp Message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim, our team will immediately fact-check it and send you a feedback.

FALSE CLAIM ABOUT CHOL DENG THON OWNING A HOTEL IN NORWAY211 Check

Fact-Check: Who owns Thon Hotels in Norway?

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According to Wikipedia, the Thon Hotels (formerly known as Rainbow Hotels) is a Norwegian-based hotel chain. It is currently the 3rd largest hotel chain in Norway with 50-odd hotels in Norway, Belgium and the Netherlands owned by Olav Thon

By Emmanuel Bida Thomas

A Facebook post this afternoon claimed that the Thon Hotels in Norway are owned by the newly appointed Managing Director of the state owned Nile Petroleum. It said that Chol Deng Thon acquired the hotel using “oil money” in 2018.

“The current managing Director of NILEPET, Dr. Chol Deng Thon, owns a hotel worth million dollars in Norway. The hotel which he acquired through oil money in 2018 is currently the 3rd largest hotel in Norway. South Sudanese urged him to invest in the country to create jobs for them rather than building big business mansions abroad,” reads the post shared on Facebook.

Facebook Post claiming that Chol Deng Thon owns the Thon Hotels in Norway

Investigation:

According to Wikipedia, the Thon Hotels (formerly known as Rainbow Hotels) is a Norwegian-based hotel chain. It is currently the 3rd largest hotel chain in Norway with 50-odd hotels in Norway, Belgium and the Netherlands. 

The Thon Hotel chain was established in 1989 as part of the Olav Thon Group (Olav Thon Gruppen) which in turn is owned by the Olav Thon Foundation. The CEO is Olav Thon.

Olav Thon (born 29 June 1923 in Ål, Hallingdal) is a Norwegian real estate developer and listed in the Forbes list of billionaires as the 198th richest person in the world with a net worth of $6 billion as of March 2013. He is Norway’s richest person and his Olav Thon Group is Norway’s largest private real estate company, with 450 properties, including 60 hotels.[2][3] As of 12 March 2021, Bloomberg Billionaires Index estimated his net worth at US$ 6.20 Billion, making him the 437th richest person in the world.

211 Check could not track any available business records of Chol Deng Thon, the new Managing Director of NilePet in Oslo, Norway. 

Conclusion:

The claim that Chol Deng Thon, NilePet Managing Director owns the Thon Hotel in Norway is FALSE. The Thon Hotels are owned by Olav Thon, a Norwegian real estate developer.

#FactsMatter, Don’t fall victim to fake news; let’s fight the spread of misinformation on both mainstream and alternative media.

Note: To avoid spreading false information, don’t rush into sharing content that you aren’t sure of or you don’t know its origin.

To know more about our fact-checking process, visit:  https://211check.org/how-to-fact-check/  or send us a WhatsApp Message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim, our team will immediately fact-check it and send you a feedback.

Fact-Check: This is not a picture showing thMISLEADING IMAGE OF SHERIKHAT BUS PARK211 Check

Fact-Check: This is not a picture showing the Kampala bus park in Sherikhat, Juba

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The photo first used by The City Review Digital in its story “Sherikat youths invade Kampala park demanding jobs” is of a bus park found in Birendranagar, Nepal not Sherikhat, Juba

By Emmanuel Bida Thomas

A story by The City Review Digital, a local newspaper in South Sudan published on Saturday, 23rd October 2021 titled “Sherikat youths invade Kampala park demanding jobs” used a misleading image and caption depicting the Kampala bus park in Sherikhat Juba.

Misleading Image by The City Review Digital captioned “Kampala Bus Park in Sherikhat

A reverse image search by 211 Check reveals that the picture is of a bus park in Birendranagar, Nepal. Nepal is a country in South Asia. 

Google Maps also shows the image as of April 2018 for the Bus Park in Birendranagar, Nepal.

Google Maps, Bus Park, Birendranagar, Nepal – April 2018

Conclusion:

The image and its caption in the story are misleading. The picture does not show the Kampala bus park in Sherikhat, Juba, it is a bus park in Birendranagar in Nepal, South Asia.

To know more about our fact-checking process, visit:  https://211check.org/how-to-fact-check/ or send us a WhatsApp Message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim, our team will immediately fact-check it and send you a feedback.

Central Bank of South Sudan Hoax211 Check

Fact-Check: Is the Bank of South Sudan offering rewards to its Website Visitors?

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“This scam uses Bank of South Sudan’s brand names and logo in order to make the prize look legitimate. They claim that the BoSS offers prizes worth 300 thousand United States Dollars. This is not true, the BoSS does not offer prizes, awards, or funds,” reads a statement shared by the Bank of South Sudan through its Facebook Page.

By Emmanuel Bida Thomas

An imposter website in the name of the Bank of South Sudan claims that it is offering checks through “the bank’s rewards center” to its website visitors.

In one of the screenshots obtained by 211 Check and SafetyComm South Sudan, the website said a visitor had won a Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018).

But, is the Bank of South Sudan currently giving out prizes to its website visitors? Find out:

Screenshot of Imposter Website Page claiming that a visitor had won a Samsung Galaxy

Findings:

211 Check examination of the unrelated website: http://altajari-prizes.xyz/ [do not click on the link] reveals that the domain name was registered only 16 days ago as of Wednesday, 18/08/2021. A domain created less than 3 months ago is considered new and thus potentially suspicious. The site also has an unknown trustworthiness score on the Web of Trust.

The Bank of South Sudan also released a statement on Wednesday, 18/08/2021 afternoon that it was warning the public “about fraudulent activities being perpetrated in its name on social media through a fraud scheme”

“This scam uses Bank of South Sudan’s brand names and logo in order to make the prize look legitimate. They claim that the BoSS offers prizes worth 300 thousand United States Dollars. This is not true, the BoSS does not offer prizes, awards, or funds,” reads a statement shared by the Bank of South Sudan through its Facebook Page.

You should also note that the official website for the Central Bank of South Sudan is hosted at: https://www.boss.gov.ss/

Conclusion:

Do not provide your account details or personal identification information to a scammer. Do not click suspicious links on the internet.

To know more about our fact-checking process, visit:  https://211check.org/how-to-fact-check/ or send us a WhatsApp Message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim, our team will immediately fact-check it and send you a feedback