Speculative and conspiratorial information that is shared as part of a larger trend mostly not based on facts or partially based on a news story or a report that is taken out of context and at times manipulated

Fact-check: Yes, the 2018 revitalised agreement allocates positions to its signatories.

Writer: Ochaya Jackson

A Facebook page bearing the name Hon. Michael Makuei Lueth in a post on Thursday claimed that the 2018 Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCISS) has not allocated positions to the agreement’s signatories.

“There is no provision which talk about the allocation of positions in accordance with the provisions of the revitalized peace agreement. The agreement, of course, talks of the sharing of power,” reads part of the claim paragraph.

Screenshot of the Facebook claim

Facts:

Chapter 1 of the agreement established the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU), which was formed in 2020 and composed of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) under President Salva Kiir, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in Opposition (SPLM-IO) under Dr. Riek Machar, the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), Former Detainees (FDs), and Other Political Parties (OPP), all of which are signatories to the agreement.

Besides, article 1.5 of chapter 1 outlined the structure of the executive of the R-TGoNU, which is headed by President Salva Kiir under SPLM, deputised by the First Vice President (now suspended) Riek Machar under SPLM-IO, followed by four vice presidents nominated by the incumbent (under SPLM), SSOA, TGoNU (under Taban Deng Ghai), and FDs. 

All positions at the executive were allocated according to the revitalised agreement under power-sharing arrangements, both at the national and state levels, including the legislatures.

On the other hand, the page also stated that President Kiir is the final authority to appoint and dismiss government officials, including the First Vice President.

“President Salva Kiir Mayardit is the final authority that appoints and fires officials from positions and has the power to dismiss the First Vice President,” the page asserted.

211 Check reviewed the peace agreement chapters and found that section 1.6.2.4 of chapter 1 empowers President Salva Kiir to appoint and preside over the swearing into office of the First Vice President, and the Vice Presidents, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, in accordance with the terms of the Agreement.

Context:

In a statement issued two weeks ago by the Ministry of ICT and Postal Services, it distanced Minister Michael Makuei Lueth from the Facebook pages and termed them as “forged accounts” and asserted that Makuei does not have any official Facebook.

“The Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services would like to inform the  general  public that the Facebook acounts created in the name of Hon. Michael Makuei Lueth are all forged accounts therefore they are considered  invalid and fake accounts,” reads part of the press statement issued by the ICT Ministry on the 1st of October 2025.

“Minister Makuei doesn’t have any Facebook account rather, he communicates through the official channels of the government. Thus, you’re urged to disregard any writtings posted on the Facebook accounts claiming to be  Hon. Michael Makuei Lueth,” it adds.

Conclusion:

The Facebook page bearing the name Hon. Micheal Makuei is not only fake but also involved in peddling misleading information about the provisions in the revitalised peace agreement.

The page misrepresented the Minister of ICT and Postal Services, Hon. Michael Makuei Lueth, who does not have an official Facebook account.

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.

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

Fact Check: No, Riek Machar has not been hanged, but is currently on trial.

Writer: Rufina Isaac

The claim on social media that Dr. Riek Machar has been hanged for crimes is false. The claim posted here and shared by Naath in Europe on Facebook and other pages received a lot of reactions and engagement online, yet misleading.

Screenshot of the Claim 

Facts:

Dr. Riek Machar has not been hanged, but he and the other 7 co-accused are currently facing trial in a special court on murder, treason, crimes against humanity, terrorism, and destruction of property charges. 

Given that, no sentencing has been carried out, and the court proceeding is ongoing.

The court has been holding sessions to review evidence, including documents and electronic data allegedly linked to Machar and his co-accused.

The claim is part of the disinformation meant to distort facts and incite havoc in the communities in the country.

South Sudan is still navigating a delicate peace process, and inflammatory or inaccurate claims could undermine stability.

Conclusion:

The claim on social media that Dr. Riek Machar has been hanged for “crimes now we are free of all nonsense in South Sudan” is false and misleading while the court proceeding is still ongoing, with another session expected to take place tomorrow in Juba at Freedom Hall.  

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.

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

Fact-check: No, this video is not showing the SSPDF violent attack in Wau.

Writer: Ochaya Jackson

A video claim posted on Sixty 4 Tribes Press’ Facebook page this morning, with the caption “video footage from Wau SSPDF bombardment,” is false.

The video, which portrays women and children in panic while running with gunshot sounds in the background, was not captured in South Sudan but in Nigeria.

Screenshot of the Facebook claim

Verification:

211 Check ran a Google Reverse Image search of the video claim, and it has been established that the video was not recorded in South Sudan, but in Niger state of Nigeria

Other platforms shared the video with captions portraying a violent attack by bandits in Rijau town, Niger state.

Niger State is one of the 36 states in Nigeria, which is located in the North-Central geographical zone.

Context:

There are no credible local media reports about the South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) bombardment or attack in Wau today or recently. However, according to Radio Tamazuj, SSPDF launched today’s airstrikes in Jur River County while targeting areas under the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO).

Both Wau and Jur River Counties are part of the Western Bahr El Ghazal State.

Conclusion:

The video posted by the Sixty 4 Tribes Press page with the claim that it was the footage from the SSPDF bombardment in Wau is false and misleading. The video was not captured in South Sudan but in the Niger State of Nigeria, according to social media reports.

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.

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

Fact-check: No, the group photo of army officers was not taken in South Sudan.

Writer: Ochaya Jackson

A group picture of army officers shared by the Sixty 4 Tribes Press Facebook page today, with a claim that a Senegalese army officer is training a rebel movement, the Equatoria People’s Liberation Movement/Army in South Sudan, is false and misleading. 

“A Senegalese Army officer has been identified as the training officer for the newly formed rebel movement in South Sudan, known as the Equatoria People’s Liberation Movement/Army, a truly empowering development for the youth,” reads part of the false claim paragraph.

Screenshot of the Facebook claim.

Verification:

211 Check conducted a Google reverse image search of the claimed army officers’ group photo and established that the picture was taken in Senegal (2016) of Senegalese soldiers alongside US Army personnel after participating in a “company-level combined arms live-fire exercise”, not in South Sudan.

Context:

According to a statement published on the US Army website in 2016, the army officers’ group photo involving both the Senegalese and US Army personnel came as a result of an annual U.S. Army Africa exercise dubbed “Africa Readiness Training 16”, which was conducted in Thiès, Senegal. 

Conclusion:

A group picture of army officers posted by the Sixty 4 Tribes Press Facebook page, with a claim that a Senegalese army officer has been identified training 100 soldiers of a rebel group called the Equatoria People’s Liberation Movement/Army, is false and misleading. The group photo was not only taken in South Sudan, but also shows the Senegalese and U.S. Army officers.

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.

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

Fact-check: No South Sudanese nationals have been arrested during protests in Kenya.

Writer: Makur Majeng

A press statement circulating on social media and some mainstream media platforms alleging that the Kenyan National Police Service (NPS) arrested 19 South Sudanese nationals—alongside other foreigners—for participating in recent violent protests in Nairobi and other parts of Kenya is false.

A document purporting to be an official press release from the Office of the Inspector General of Kenya’s National Police Service (NPS) claims that foreigners, including 19 South Sudanese nationals, were arrested during anti-government protests. It lists other foreign nationals as well and claims a crackdown on undocumented immigrants is underway.

The document, dated July 6, 2025, includes arrest figures for citizens of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Somalia, Uganda, Nigeria, South Sudan, Yemen, and stateless individuals.

Claim Verification:

The National Police Service of Kenya has explicitly discredited the document in a statement issued via its official communication channels on July 7, 2025.

“This press statement circulating on social media, purporting to be issued by the Spokesperson of the National Police Service, is fake,” reads part of the Kenya National Police Service.


On the other hand, the Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Nairobi also issued a press release on July 7, 2025, dismissing the claims as misinformation.

“As of the time of this release, no South Sudanese citizen has been reported to the embassy as having been arrested or detained by Kenyan authorities in connection with the ongoing demonstrations,” reads a statement from the South Sudan Embassy in Nairobi.

Context

While protests in Kenya have drawn widespread attention, there is no verified evidence supporting claims that foreign nationals—particularly South Sudanese—have been systematically targeted or arrested en masse.

Conclusion

211 Check finds the document claiming that 19 South Sudanese nationals were arrested during recent protests in Kenya is fake. It has been debunked by both the National Police Service of Kenya and the South Sudan Embassy in Nairobi.

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 their lives—Fact-check before sharing.  For more details, visit https://211check.org/, or message us on WhatsApp at +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter.



Fact-check: No, South Sudan has not expelled U.S. Ambassador Michael Adler

The Ministry of ICT and Postal Services, in a statement, termed the claim as untrue and urged the public to treat it as negative propaganda.

Writer: Makur Majeng

A viral Facebook post claiming that South Sudan has ordered U.S. Ambassador Michael Adler to leave the country within 72 hours is false. There is no official confirmation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the U.S. Embassy – Juba, or any credible news source to support the claim.

The Facebook post alleges that South Sudan, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and government spokesperson Michael Makuei Lueth, ordered Ambassador Adler to leave the country following diplomatic tensions and visa denials for government officials. It further claims that relations deteriorated after the U.S. imposed new sanctions on Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel.

However, 211 Check has verified that there is no official expulsion order or diplomatic directive that has been issued against Ambassador Adler. Neither the Ministry of Foreign Affairs nor the U.S. Embassy in Juba has confirmed any such development.

Screenshot of viral Facebook post shared on April 21, 2025, falsely claimed the U.S. Ambassador was expelled from South Sudan. 

Claim Verification:

The U.S. Embassy in Juba remains operational and has not announced any disruption in its activities.

The Ministry of Information, Communication, Technology and Postal Services issued a statement today debunking the claim as untrue and negative propaganda.

The Sudan Post also stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the claim on April 12th, 2025. 

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of South Sudan wishes to address recent misinformation circulating on social media regarding the status of diplomatic relations with the United States,” Ayuel said in a media briefing.

“Contrary to these unfounded claims, the Government of the Republic of South Sudan has neither expelled the United States Ambassador nor closed its Embassy in Washington, D.C,” she added.

Context

The fabricated post appears to exploit diplomatic tensions between South Sudan and the United States over visa restrictions that Washington imposed on all South Sudanese citizens, including government officials. 

Conclusion

211 Check found that the claim stating the U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan was ordered to leave the country is false and misleading. No credible evidence supports the expulsion claim, and both governments continue to maintain diplomatic ties.

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 their lives—Fact-check before sharing.  For more details, visit https://211check.org/, or message us on WhatsApp at +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter.

Fact-check: No SSPDF general committed suicide in Rumbek, South Sudan.

The photo has been online since March 2024, and it originated in Kenya, with media reports indicating it is of a Kenyan teacher who committed suicide after he lost 900,000 Kenyan shillings in gambling. No SSPDF general committed suicide in Rumbek.

Writer: Makur Majeng

A photo shared in a post by Phow Radio FM, a Facebook page, claiming the South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) general has committed suicide in Rumbek is false.

“This morning, full confirmed report, an SSPDF senior officer, Gen. Bol Mawien Agany, has reportedly taken his life by hanging outside Rumbek town. His family narrates to Phow Radio FM that, “It was yesterday at 9PM once our father got a call from the top leadership in Juba, assuring him to immediately report himself to Bilpam to lead the new forces to hotspot Nasir under the control of White Army. “This morning, we thought our father went to town, but unfortunately found hanging on the nearby tree,” reads the false claim.

The screenshot of the Facebook post

Rumbek is the state capital of Lakes State in South Sudan.

Claim Verification

Upon investigation, it was found that the claim made by Phow Radio FM is false. Our research indicates that the photo shared by the page was not captured in South Sudan. Instead, it was used in multiple Kenyan media reports about an unrelated suicide case.

A simple Google reverse image search revealed that the same image was posted by multiple Kenyan news outlets, including:

Mt Elgon Online TV Kenya: “Shock as JS teacher in Keiyo North commits suicide after losing Ksh 900,000 to aviator betting moments after taking a bank loan.”

Bomet Newspaper: “Shock as JS teacher in Keiyo North commits suicide after losing Ksh 900,000 to aviator betting moments after taking a bank loan.”

This confirms that the photo is unrelated to any event in South Sudan and was misused to spread false information.

Additionally, there is no public official statement made by the South Sudan People’s Defence (SSPDF) concerning the alleged suicide committed by the SSPDF general. 

On the other hand, local sources in Rumbek have also confirmed that no such incident happened.

“We have tried to consult, but there is no such news around Rumbek here today,” said the Good News Radio station director, Raphael Makuei, after he was contacted by 211 Check.

Conclusion

211 Check has found the claim in a post by Phow Radio FM, claiming the SSPDF general hanged himself with a rope on a tree as suicide in Rumbek to be false. The photo shared was taken in Kenya and has been widely circulated in Kenyan media. There is no credible evidence to support the claim made by Phow Radio FM.

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 their lives—Fact-check before sharing.  For more details, visit https://211check.org/, or message us on WhatsApp at +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter.

Fact-check: Did President Donald Trump threaten to issue arrest warrants to South Sudanese elites?

No, US President Donald Trump didn’t make this speech, and it was AI-generated content.

Writer: Makur Majeng

A Social media audio claim that US President Donald Trump has threatened to issue arrest warrants for South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, business tycoon Benjamin Bol Mel, and SPLM Secretary-General Peter Lam Both is fake. 

The claim also added that Trump has vowed to freeze the assets of Benjamin Bol Mel and impose further sanctions on the South Sudanese government within 24 hours if the ban on social media remains. 

“I have been informed that the corrupt and brutal government of South Sudan has banned the citizens from accessing the internet. If these restrictions are not lifted within twenty-four hours, I will issue an arrest warrant for Dictator Salva Kiir, Benjamin Bol Mel, and SPLM General Secretary Peter Lam Both. Additionally, the United States will freeze all assets illegally acquired by Benjamin Bol Mel and impose further sanctions on the government of South Sudan,” reads the audio transcript of the claim.

This claim statement was widely shared on social media platforms, with one Facebook post by “Gambella Issue News” generating over 21,000 views, 300+ likes, 45 comments, and 165 shares. But despite its virality, the claim lacks credibility.

The screenshot of the Facebook post claim bearing President Trump’s image (up) and President Salva Kiir’s image (below).

Claim Verification:

A Google keyword search using “DONALD TRUMP SPEECH ABOUT SOUTH SUDAN INTERNET BAN” yielded no results from credible sources. No reliable news outlets have reported any such speech by Donald Trump targeting South Sudanese leaders.

A comprehensive review of Donald Trump’s speeches, interviews, and official accounts on platforms such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) revealed no record of him making this statement.

If Trump had made such a controversial statement, it would have been widely covered by reputable international and South Sudanese media outlets, including CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera, and Eye Radio. However, no such coverage exists, further debunking the claim.

The style and content of the audio suggest it was AI-generated. Advances in AI tools have made it easier to create deepfakes and fabricated audio recordings, often used to spread misinformation and disinformation.

Conclusion

211 Check established the claim that Donald Trump threatened to issue arrest warrants for South Sudanese elites and impose sanctions within 24 hours is false. The claim in the speech was fabricated using artificial intelligence technology, and Trump has not made any statement concerning the social media restrictions in South Sudan.

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 their lives—Fact-check before sharing.  For more details, visit https://211check.org/, or message us on WhatsApp at +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter.

Fact-check: A viral video of the protest with the caption President Kiir must go is old, not recent.

There was no protest today, and the video does not depict a protest against the social media ban but rather a 2021 demonstration for justice after musician Trisha Cee was knocked down in a water tanker accident.

Writer: Makur Majeng

A viral video making rounds on social media claims to show South Sudanese youths protesting in Juba against President Salva Kiir’s rule. The protesters are allegedly demanding that the president face prosecution by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity. However, this claim is false, and the video has been altered to mislead viewers.

“The social media blockade has sparked street protests in some parts of South Sudan, with youth calling for President Kiir to step down and face the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity. The country’s National Communication Authority, acting on orders from the ruling party, SPLM, has banned access to Facebook and TikTok across the country since last night. (File Footage)” reads Facebook Post. 

The screenshot of Garang John’s post.

Claim Verification: 

The video is not recent, and a Google reverse search reveals that the footage originally appeared on March 30th, 2021, during a protest unrelated to politics or the ICC.

The 2021 demonstration occurred after the tragic death of South Sudanese musician Trisha Cee, who was knocked off a boda-boda in a road accident involving a water tanker driven by an Eritrean. The protesters gathered at the Mobil Roundabout in Juba to demand improved healthcare services, stricter road safety regulations, and justice for Trisha Cee.

After a fatal road accident involving a water tanker, protesters called for better healthcare infrastructure and stricter licensing rules for foreign drivers, particularly Eritreans, as posted by Eye Radio.

Activists like Wani Michael, Manasseh Mathiang, and James Kolok were among those arrested during the protest. Demonstrators carried signs demanding justice for Trisha Cee, better road safety measures, and healthcare reforms.

Context:

The viral video has been manipulated with altered captions, and audio voices chanting “Kiir Must Go” in the background were taken from an old video protest about food and hunger by the students of the University of Bahr el Gazal in May 2024.

Social media users recirculated the video with misleading captions to stir political tension, but the fact remains clear the protests were about road safety and healthcare, not opposition to President Kiir.

Conclusion:

211 Check established that the viral video claiming that South Sudanese youth protested against President Kiir is false and misleading. The footage was extracted from a 2021 video that relates to demands for road safety and healthcare reforms following the death of musician Trisha Cee.

There was no protest today at the mobile roundabout regarding any issue against the president or the government.

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 their lives—Fact-check before sharing.  For more details, visit https://211check.org/, or message us on WhatsApp at +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter.

Fact-check: NILEPET staff didn’t write this planned demonstration letter

Nile Petroleum Corporation (NILEPET) swiftly debunked the letter as fraudulent on their official Facebook page.

Writer: Christopher Luate Obede

A Facebook post published by Sixty 4 Tribes Press, a page that describes itself as an ‘internet company’ on 1 December 2023 with a letter allegedly written by aggrieved NilePet staff about a planned peaceful demonstration, is false.

The letter was also shared and forwarded to WhatsApp groups with the same caption shared on Facebook. “Nile Petroleum Corporation staff had planned for a peaceful demonstration scheduled for Monday, 04 December 2023, at 8:00 am at the Nilepet Headquarters (HQ), Thongping residential area,” the letter read in part. 

Nile Petroleum Corporation, also known as NILEPET, is a national company established with a mandate to participate in the upstream, midstream, and downstream oil and gas activities on behalf of the Government of the Republic of South Sudan. 

A letter allegedly written by aggrieved NilePet staff about a planned demonstration

Claim Verification:

Nile Petroleum Corporation dismissed the published letter with the stamp “fake” by sharing its screenshot on its official Facebook post.

Nilepet will not hesitate to take the necessary legal action against those who continually use our image and branding to publish content in a negative light,” their Facebook post reads in part.

The company, NILEPET told The City Review Newspaper that the allegations of planned strike were just social media rumours. The news report stated that the staff were going on with their duties, and there was no protest.

Screenshot of the Facebook post by NILEPET.

On the same Facebook page, Sixty 4 Tribes Press published another fake letter claiming that the aggrieved Nile Petroleum staff had called off the protest to first submit their demands to the new chairman of the board of directors.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds a Facebook post with a letter claiming that Nile Petroleum Corporation staff planned for a peaceful demonstration, false.  

The company, on its official Facebook page, Nile Petroleum Corporation and in a news report dismissed the letter as fake.

A publication under 211 Check’s ‘Fact-check for a pay’ Initiative with Support from the International Fact-checking Network through the BUILD grant.

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 their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter