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Explainer: South Sudan’s debt burden and sovereign vulnerability 

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Summary:

The Republic of South Sudan, as of October 2025, continues to face a critical sovereign debt crisis, characterised by extreme vulnerability and complex legal threats. The nation is officially classified by the joint World Bank/IMF Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) in 2021 as being at a high risk of external and overall public debt distress. 

The official macroeconomic projections estimate the debt-to-GDP ratio at approximately 58 per cent of GDP for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, signalling large vulnerabilities. This macroeconomic fragility is further evidenced by a projected net lending/borrowing (overall balance) deficit of 6.64% of GDP in 2025, indicating high dependence on external or domestic financing.

The core issue driving the crisis, however, is not the official debt but an extensive portfolio of opaque, non-concessional commercial liabilities. This outstanding oil-backed debt stands near US$2.3 billion. These liabilities have recently matured into major international legal judgements, including a US$1 billion arbitration award for Qatar National Bank (QNB) and a US$657 million court order for the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank). 

The combined total of these enforceable judgments, exceeding $1.65 billion, poses an immediate threat to the nation’s liquid assets and oil export streams.

This profound debt distress is identified as a direct consequence of systemic governance failure, specifically the persistent non-implementation of the Petroleum Revenue Management Act (PRMA) of 2013. The failure to operationalise mandated Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) created a crucial fiscal vacuum, which was subsequently filled by high-interest, non-transparent borrowing.

Download the full analysis here

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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Fact-check: No, Dr. Machar’s lead defence lawyer has not been abducted in Juba.

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Writer: Ochaya Jackson

The claim on social media that Dr. Riek Machar’s defence lawyer, Dr. Geri Raimondo Legge, was abducted on Wednesday by the National Security officers in Juba is false. 

Earlier this morning, some social media platforms published claims saying that Geri was picked up by “men in unmarked vehicles” and taken to unknown locations.

Screenshot of the claim

However, there is no official public confirmation from the Machar defence team in Juba, as well as government institutions.

Besides, according to Radio Tamazuj, Geri debunked the claim as fake and not true. 

“I am senior counsel Dr. Geri, currently present at [the] Mudiriya courts in Juba. What is going on social media is fake and not true,” Radio Tamazuj quoted Legge during an interview today regarding the claim.

“All the security is very cooperative with us. These are people giving us security by protecting us, and they are happy with me because I’m defending our country, South Sudan,” he adds.

Dr. Machar and his 7 co-accused are facing trial in a special court set up in Juba on cases of murder, treason, crimes against humanity, and terrorism related to the Nasir conflict in March this year.

Verification:

211 Check reviewed social media pages of other defence lawyers and found no confirmation of the claim about Geri’s abduction.

Conclusion:

The claim on social media that defence lawyer Dr. Geri Raimondo was kidnapped on Wednesday by the National Security officers in Juba is false, and the media report indicates that the claim is fake.

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.

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Fact-check: No, Riek Machar’s defence lawyer’s office has not been raided

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Writer: Ochaya Jackson

The claims on social media platforms that the National Security Service has today raided the office of Riek Machar’s defence lawyer, Kur Lual, are false and misleading.

Such an incident did not happen, and Kur, on his Facebook page, debunked it as not true.

“Some social media outlets have circulated news that Prof. Core & Associates Law Office was exposed to burglary and plundering documents, in addition to allegations that the defense attorney was exposed in the case of D. Riak Machar and others for security threats. We can confirm that this news is completely bare to true, the office has not been subjected to any burglary or looting, and neither of the lawyers have been subjected to threat of any kind from any side,” reads part of Kur’s statement posted on his Facebook page.

In addition to that, there have also been rumours that the defence team of Machar has been harassed, assaulted or arrested. But Warnyang Kir Warnyang, one of the defence lawyers, described it as “baseless slander”.

“Rumors going around about a defense attorney being harassed, assaults or arrests is just baseless slander. We strongly condemn the lack of context behind such deliberate rumors, since spreading such false news only harms the safety of our families, and distorts our focus on doing our professional duty in facing criminal suits,” Warnyang stated on his social media page.

Context:

Dr. Riek Machar and his 7 other associates are facing trial on charges related to the Nasir attack in March this year. The trial began on Monday this week in Juba before a special court instituted by the judiciary. As such, Machar and his co-accused have a legal defence team which comprises 6 lawyers.

Conclusion:

211 Check found the claim that Machar lawyer’s office has been raided by the National Security Service as false and misleading. The defence lawyers have debunked the claim as false and baseless.

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.

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Fact-check: The Ministry of Justice cites sections 186 and 334 inaccurately.

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Writer: Ochaya Jackson

On Thursday, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs announced charges against opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar Teny and 7 other officials who were detained earlier this year. However, claims immediately emerged on social media platforms of inaccuracies in citing sections 186 and 334 of the Penal Code Act, 2008.

In a press statement released while announcing the charges, the ministry cited various sections of the law in the Penal Code Act, 2008, in reference to murder (section 206), conspiracy and common intention (sections 67 and 69), terrorism and financing terrorist acts (section 44, Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act, 2012, as amended in 2024), treason and acts against state authority (section 64), destruction of public property and military assets (section 334), and crimes against humanity (section 186) against Dr. Machar and 7 other suspects under detention.

Subsequently, the charges were referred to the competent court for trial, with assurance of due process and international standards in criminal proceedings.

The charges were filed on the allegation that Dr. Machar and his co-accused under the Sudan People’s Liberation Army/Movement-in-Opposition (SPLA/M-IO) “influenced” the White Army militia to attack the South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) barracks on the 3rd of March 2025 in Nasir County of Upper Nile State, which led to the death of Maj. Gen. David Majur Dak, more than 250 soldiers, and a United Nations pilot.

Claims Verification:

211 Check reviewed the Penal Code Act, 2008, against sections 186 and 334 in question and established that section 186 deals with “Fouling Water of Public Well or Reservoir”, not crimes against humanity; meanwhile, section 334 deals with “House Breaking by Night”, not destruction of public property and military assets as cited by the ministry.

Conclusion:

The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs made a mistake by citing section 186 inaccurately in reference to crimes against humanity and section 334 in reference to destruction of public property and military assets in the charges against Dr. Riek Machar and the other 7 suspects.

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.

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Explainer: Why a lunar eclipse occurs and how?

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Writer: Ochaya Jackson

On Sunday, 7th 2025 evening, at night lunar eclipse occurred, and some citizens were surprised to see the full moon turning red. Faced with conflicting realities stemming from traditional beliefs, religion, and the scientific realm, many South Sudanese exhibited different reactions as the lunar eclipse was taking place based on their beliefs.

So this explainer provides key facts to shape the understanding of citizens on how and why lunar eclipses happen.

Overview:

A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon’s surface. This event can only occur during a “Full Moon”, and unlike solar eclipses, it is safe to view with the naked eye and can be seen from any location on the night side of Earth. 

During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon can appear reddish due to sunlight scattering through Earth’s atmosphere, a phenomenon also known as a “blood moon”

Key Facts:
A lunar eclipse requires the Sun, Earth, and Moon to be aligned in a straight line, with the Earth in the middle. This alignment can only happen during a Full Moon phase, when the Moon is on the opposite side of Earth from the Sun. 

Earth’s Shadow:

The Earth casts two types of shadow onto the Moon:

  • Umbra: The darker, central shadow where the Earth completely blocks direct sunlight. 
  • Penumbra: The lighter, outer shadow where the Earth only partially blocks the Sun’s light.

Source: Astronomy Magazine

Types of Lunar Eclipses:

  • Penumbral: The Moon passes only through Earth’s penumbra, resulting in a subtle, hard-to-observe darkening. 
  • Partial: A portion of the Moon moves into the Earth’s umbral shadow, causing a part of the Moon to darken.
  • Total: The entire Moon passes through the Earth’s umbral shadow, making it appear dark or reddish. 

Duration:
Total lunar eclipses can last for a long, with the period of totality lasting from about 30 minutes to over an hour or more.

Visibility:
Unlike solar eclipses, which are only visible from a small area, a lunar eclipse can be seen from anywhere on the night side of Earth where the Moon is above the horizon. 

(Photo by Murat Usubali/Anadolu via Getty Images). Source: News Nation

Viewing Safety:
It is perfectly safe to view any type of lunar eclipse with the naked eye or through binoculars and telescopes; no special equipment or protection is needed. 

Red “Blood Moon”:
During a total lunar eclipse, Earth’s atmosphere scatters the sunlight, filtering out blue light and allowing red light to reach the Moon, giving it a rusty red color.

The “blood moon” total lunar eclipse is seen above Austin, Texas, on March 14. (Photo by Rick Kern/Getty Images). Source: News Nation

Conclusion:

Naturally, a lunar eclipse can occur during a full moon when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are all aligned.

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.

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Data Story: South Sudan records a 76.3% pass rate in the 2024 secondary school examinations.

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Writer: Makur Majeng

The Ministry of General Education and Instruction on 20th August 2025 released the results of the 2024 Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE), which were conducted between 2nd and 11th December 2024.

According to the National Examinations Council, 50,004 candidates registered for the exams across the country. Of these, 29,353 were male and 20,651 female in 535 academic schools. Additionally, 130 candidates registered under the commercial section and 197 under the technical section.

Out of the total registered, 48,079 candidates (28,192 males and 19,887 females) sat for the exams. Of these, 36,701 candidates passed (21,619 males and 15,082 females), representing an overall pass rate of 76.3%. However, this means 23.7% of candidates did not pass.

The distribution of scores shows that the majority of candidates scored between 70 and 79 marks, accounting for 32.2%. Meanwhile, 11.9% scored in the 80–89 range, and only 0.03% attained marks above 90. On the other end, 11.8% of students scored below 50, placing them in the failure category.

In terms of school performance, 14  schools performed well in the 2024 exams, where Central Equatoria State led with 10 schools, followed by Jonglei State, 3 schools, and Equatoria State, 1 school. 

In the commercial stream, the best candidate was Timon Wani Henry Yugu (CES) – 85.9%, while in the technical stream, Fatin Doka Michael Farjallah (Juba Technical SS, CES) – 83.5% topped the list.

Subject analysis indicated weak performance in Chemistry, Principles of Accounts, and Arabic Language, while improvements were noted in Agriculture, Computer Science, Physics, Islamic Religion, English Literature, and Citizenship. The ministry stated it will prioritise the recruitment and training of teachers in the poorly performing subjects.

Comparative Analysis:

The 2024 secondary school examination results show improvement with the overall passing rate of 76.3% compared with 35.4% in 2023, but still below the passing rate of 95.3% in 2022.

Conclusion:

The 2024 CSE results show an overall pass rate of 76.3%. While most students scored between 70 and 79 marks, very few reached the highest category above 90%. The ministry highlighted subject-specific challenges that require targeted interventions.

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.

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

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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.