Data Story: South Sudan records 94.9% CPE pass rate in the 2024 result

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Over 73,000 pupils passed the 2024 CPE exams, with Central Equatoria dominating the top positions, but regional and gender disparities persist.

Writer: Makur Majeng

South Sudan’s Ministry of General Education and Instruction (MoGEI) on 15th April 2025 announced that 73,326 (40,427 males and 32,899 females) candidates passed the 2024 Certificate of Primary Education (CPE) examinations, out of a total of 77,264 pupils who registered for the exams—representing a national pass rate of 94.9% with a performance percentage index of 73.1.

The examinations were conducted between November 18th and 22nd, 2024, according to the calendar set by the National Examinations Council (NEC) in 1,814 schools and 522 examination centres across the country.

A total of 79,010 (43,266 males and 35,744 females) candidates registered for the examinations, but 77,264 (42,257 males and 35,007 females) sat for the examinations, accounting for 54.7% and 45.3%, respectively.

However, NEC confirmed that 1,746 candidates did not sit for the exams, while 3,870 failed.

“Despite the high national pass rate, performance was significantly skewed toward urban schools in Central Equatoria, especially those located in Juba,” the NEC report stated.


Girls made up 44.7% of the candidates—a small but positive step toward closing the gender gap in education access. The Ministry attributed this increase to ongoing campaigns encouraging girls’ enrolment and retention.

This puts the pass rate for boys at 95.7% and girls at 94.0%, showing a minor gap. However, girls were under-represented among the overall top scorers, with only one girl scoring above 450 marks out of the top 13 pupils nationally.

Central Equatoria dominates rankings:

Out of the top 13 pupils in the country, 10 were from Central Equatoria, including all the top five scorers. Notably, Felbe Luwala Want and Moses Jerry Acire Ocaya, who scored 453 marks, the highest in the country. The best-performing girl, Gifty Chandia Remis Aluwe, also from Central Equatoria, scored 451 marks.

JCC Model Primary School and St. Peter Rejaf led the rankings in Central Equatoria. Outside Central Equatoria, only Liberty Primary School (Unity State) and Alel Chok Complex (Western Bahr el Ghazal) featured in the top 12.

Science and Christian Religious Education were the best-performed subjects; meanwhile, mathematics and Islamic Religious Education had the lowest performance levels.

Modest improvement in key subjects:

While comprehensive year-on-year data was not released, NEC noted that Science and CRE showed modest improvement compared to the 2023 results. However, Mathematics continues to lag, requiring targeted intervention.

Education Minister Kuyok Abol Kuyok, acknowledged both the achievements and the challenges:​

“Science, Christian Religious Education, and English language stood out as the most learnt subjects, while Mathematics and Islamic Religious Education remain under-performed.”​

“To address these challenges, the ministry will embark on recruitment and training of teachers for the underperformed subjects to deliver the curriculum effectively,” he added.​

Challenges:

The results were originally expected in March but were delayed due to funding constraints, affecting the printing and marking process. MoGEI acknowledged the frustration caused by the delay and promised improved timelines next year with better budget planning.

Result access and transparency:

Pupils were able to access their results via mobile USSD code (*113# on Digitel), enabling quick access to scores, especially in remote areas.

Conclusion:

The 2024 Certificate of Primary Education results showed a strong 94.9% pass rate, with performance gains in Science and Religious Education. However, regional inequalities, especially between urban and rural schools, and gender gaps at the top, continue to affect overall education equity.

The Ministry of General Education has committed to improving subject-specific teaching, enhancing exam administration, and strengthening access to learning resources across the country.

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.

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Explainer: U.S. visa suspension on South Sudan: what happened, who’s affected, and what’s next?

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Writer: Makur Majeng

A visa is an official document, typically a sticker or stamp in a passport, issued by a country’s government that grants a foreign national permission to enter, stay in, or leave that country for a specific purpose and duration. 

It’s essentially a conditional authorisation for entry, not a guarantee of it, and is subject to border control upon arrival. 

Common types of visas include tourism, work and employment, study and education. humanitarian or refugee resettlement and diplomatic or government missions.

Why are visas important?

Visas are important because they allow countries to control who enters and stays within their borders, helping to regulate immigration, manage security risks, and enforce immigration laws. They ensure that visitors meet the required entry criteria and are visiting for the intended purpose, be it tourism, work, or study, and uphold diplomatic reciprocity among nations under international law.

Without a valid visa, travellers may face denial of entry, deportation, and loss of access to legal protections.

Why U.S. suspending visas for South Sudanese citizens?

Early on 5th April 2025, the United States suspended visa services for citizens of South Sudan. U.S. officials accused South Sudan’s government of failing to accept its repatriated citizens, violating long-standing immigration protocols. 

“I am taking actions to revoke all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders and to restrict any further issuance to prevent entry into the United States, effective immediately,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio tweeted on April 5th, 2025.

Context:

The crisis centered on a man deported from the U.S. to South Sudan. South Sudanese authorities initially denied him entry, claiming he was not South Sudanese but Congolese, despite the U.S. possessing legal travel documents for Makula Kintu, who was certified by the South Sudan embassy in Washington.

“South Sudan’s own embassy in Washington certified this particular individual as one of their nationals. We cannot have a repatriation system that allows foreign governments to reopen eligibility after certification,” U.S. Deputy Secretary Christopher tweeted on April 7, 2025.

However, the South Sudan government later on agreed to allow Makula Kintu’s entry into the country while maintaining that he was not South Sudanese but a national of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“The Government of the Republic of South Sudan has decided to grant Mr. Makula Kintu permission to enter the country,” reads part of the South Sudan Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ statement released April 8, 2025.

Who is affected by the U.S. visa suspension?

The U.S. suspension affects all South Sudanese citizens, whether they are students seeking education in U.S. universities, business professionals, workers, entrepreneurs, government officials, humanitarian workers, or asylum seekers.

Why does this matter?

This dispute highlights how visa restrictions are increasingly used as tools of foreign policy and migration control, with ordinary citizens often caught in the middle.

Experts warn that such suspensions risk escalating diplomatic tension and disrupting education and career plans, isolating diaspora communities, and worsening humanitarian and economic conditions in South Sudan.

What violations can lead to visa revocation?

Under U.S. law, visas can be revoked for national security or criminal concerns, human rights violations by the home government, fraud or misrepresentation in visa applications, and violation of U.S. immigration laws.

What is the solution? 

Having diplomatic engagement and negotiations with the U.S. government will help improve coordination on immigration and deportation procedures as well as de-escalate diplomatic tension between the two countries.

Conclusion: 

While the U.S. visa suspension sends a strong diplomatic message, its unintended consequences threaten to punish ordinary South Sudanese citizens, particularly youth, who bear no responsibility for political disputes.

For many young South Sudanese, U.S. visas are critical for accessing education, professional development, and global opportunities.

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.

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Explainer: New US tariffs hit South Sudan: What you need to know

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Writer: Makur Majeng

The United States has announced new tariffs on goods imported from several African countries, including South Sudan. A 10% tariff will now apply to goods coming from South Sudan into the U.S., as part of a broader move by President Donald Trump to impose “reciprocal tariffs” globally.

This explainer breaks down what tariffs are, why they matter, and how they could impact South Sudan and the wider East African region.

What is a tariff?

A tariff is a tax imposed by a government on goods imported from other countries. Tariffs make imported products more expensive, aiming to encourage consumers to buy local alternatives or to protect domestic industries from foreign competition.

Why is the U.S. imposing new tariffs?

The 2025 tariffs are part of Trump’s push for “reciprocal tariffs” — arguing that U.S. goods face higher taxes abroad and that America should respond similarly. A full list published by The Guardian shows new tariffs applied on countries including China (34%), Vietnam (46%), India (26%), and South Africa (30%). However, the U.S paused tariffs for other countries to allow room for negotiation, but increased tariffs on goods from China by 125% after the Chinese government retaliated by imposing 84% on American goods.

For African nations, the tariffs are framed as a response to “currency manipulation, trade barriers, and unfair competition” — although many experts say the measures could hurt developing economies more than they help U.S. industry.

How does this impact South Sudan?

South Sudan is only a minor trade partner for the United States. According to the United States Trade Representative (USTR), in 2024, the total U.S. goods traded with South Sudan was $60.1 million. The U.S. goods exports to South Sudan were $59.3 million, a 16.9% increase from 2023. 

However, U.S. goods imports from South Sudan were just $0.8 million, though this rose 165.3% from 2023, and the U.S. had a $58.5 million trade surplus with South Sudan in 2024.

Because South Sudan’s exports to the U.S. are very small, the direct financial impact of the new 10% tariff will likely be limited. However, the broader signal — that African countries are not exempt from global tariff wars — could discourage future trade growth.

Additionally, if U.S. businesses importing goods like raw materials or specialty products from South Sudan pass on the extra costs to consumers, South Sudanese exporters could face difficulties maintaining competitiveness.

Although the dollar amounts are modest, the tariff could discourage future trade growth. For example, if a South Sudanese leather handbag used to sell in the US for $100, it will now cost $110 after the 10% tariff, making it harder to compete with products from countries without such taxes. 

Local products like oil and gum arabic, looking to expand exports, may now face higher barriers to entry into the American markets.

Which other East African countries are affected?

South Sudan is not alone, but other affected East African countries include the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Djibouti, and Eritrea. Each faces new tariff rates ranging from 10% to 30%, depending on the product category.

Is there a remedy for the tariff?

Countries impacted by tariffs have several options:

  • Negotiate bilateral trade deals with the U.S. to seek exemptions or reductions.
  • Diversify export markets beyond the U.S. to reduce reliance.
  • Invest in value-added production, which could offset tariff costs by exporting finished goods rather than raw materials.

For South Sudan, which is still building its trade capacity post-independence, regional partnerships and improving its ease of doing business could be key strategies.

Looking ahead

While the immediate economic hit to South Sudan might be small, the broader risk is reduced access to the U.S. markets in the future. As global trade becomes increasingly protectionist, smaller economies like South Sudan must prepare for a more competitive and challenging international trade environment.

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.

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

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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.

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Explainer: Ebola outbreak in Uganda, what it means for South Sudan, and how to stay safe.

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Writer: Makur Majeng

Uganda’s Ministry of Health, in its report on 30 January 2025, confirmed a new outbreak of Ebola in the capital, Kampala, with one fatality recorded. The patient in question was a 32-year-old male nurse who displayed great internal bleeding and multiple organ failure, which included high fever, chest pain, and most importantly, difficulty in breathing before he succumbed to death at Mulago Hospital. 

Ugandan health investigators have established close contact tracing of 44 people, including 30 healthcare workers among them. The outbreak of the Sudan Ebola virus is concerning because there is no approved vaccine for the variant.

This is not the first time Uganda has experienced an Ebola outbreak, but it has been on and off since the early 2000s and recently.

Sudan Ebola Virus image; Source: Africa CDC

Because of its proximity to Uganda and the frequent movement of people between the two countries, there is concern about the containment of any further cross-border transmission of the disease by the authorities in South Sudan.

This article further looks at what Ebola is, how it originated, how it is prevented, and the actions the Ministry of Health in South Sudan has taken to counter the virus before reaching the country.

What is the Ebola virus?

It is an acute infectious, deadly illness that affects humans and non-human primates that is caused by one of the members of the family of Filoviridae, ebolavirus. The Ebola class, as a hemorrhagic fever, means great internal bleeding, lots of exterior skin bleeding, organ failure, and in many cases triggers death.

There are six strains of the Ebola virus acknowledged, four other forms of which can cause an infection in monkeys:

  • Zaire ebolavirus (the deadliest and most common due to vaccines),
  • Sudan ebolavirus ( SUDV) (the one which caused the outbreak in Uganda: There is no vaccine currently approved. ),
  • Bundibugyo ebolavirus,
  • Taï Forest ebolavirus.
  • Reston ebolavirus (affects non-humans but does not participate in the epidemic among human beings).
  • Bombali ebolavirus (is found in bats; there are yet no officially known cases of people infected).

Ebola is commonly spread through direct contact with any of the bodily fluids of an infected person: blood, saliva, urine, vomit, sweat, faeces, breast milk, or semen. Contaminated surfaces and any piece of contaminated medical equipment also allow transmission; hence, the tendency to be a high-risk area.

How Did Ebola Come About?

In 1976, the first recorded outbreak of Ebola occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) near the Ebola River, from where it gets its name. The virus is thought to have originated from fruit bats, which serve as natural hosts. Ebola is a zoonotic disease, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans, typically through contact with already infected animals such as chimpanzees, monkeys, gorillas, or becoming infected through bushmeat.

The Ebola outbreak occurred mainly in Central and West Africa, which has seen serious outbreaks in the DRC, Uganda, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.

What are the Ebola symptoms?

As stated by the WHO, Ebola symptoms occur between 2 and 21 days after infection and worsen rapidly. Among the key symptoms are:

  • Early Symptoms (Flu-like):
  • High fever (higher than 38.5°C)
  • Severe headache
  • Muscle pain and general weakness
  • Sore throat
  • Advanced Symptoms:
  • Vomiting and diarrhoea
  • Rash and red eyes
  • Uncontrolled bleeding from the body (internal and external)
  • Failure of organ systems and multi-organ collapse

Are There Any Preventive Measures?

According to the UK Health Security Agency, there is no licensed vaccine for the Sudan ebolavirus, but preventive measures may include:

  • Avoid direct contact with infected individuals or animals.
  • Practice proper hand hygiene; wash hands with soap and water or disinfect them using a hand sanitiser.
  • Wear a protective suit and masks when treating patients in high-risk areas.
  • Avoid bushmeat, which carries the potential to transmit the virus.
  • Thoroughly disinfect areas contaminated with bodily fluids of an infected person.

What is South Sudan’s Ministry of Health Response?

After the Ugandan government’s confirmation of a Sudan ebolavirus outbreak in Kampala, Uganda’s government notified the South Sudan Ministry of Health about the outbreak. In response, the health ministry announced surveillance measures at major points of entry, with enhanced screening procedures for incoming travellers at Juba International Airport and the Nimule border and more intensified monitoring of individuals entering from Uganda.

With the rampant border movement between South Sudan and Uganda, the country is at a greater risk of virus transmission, according to Dr. Kediende Chong, Director General for Preventive Health Services and Emergency Response, as quoted by Eye Radio. 

Dr. Chong emphasised that these measures were necessary due to the movement of people between the two countries, which heightens the risk of the Ebola virus entering South Sudan.

Among the measures, citizens are urged to be vigilant and to report any suspected cases of Ebola to the nearest health facility, and early detection and isolation can prevent the spread of the virus.

Conclusion:

Ebola’s outbreak in Uganda poses serious public health challenges for bordering countries like South Sudan, although Ebola has not yet been reported in South Sudan. However, prevention is key to stopping the spread of the deadly virus and the Ministry of Health has announced enhancing border surveillance, public awareness, and health facility preparedness to protect the citizens.

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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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Fact-check: No, the government is not recording WhatsApp calls as well as reading messages.

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WhatsApp’s viral claim about government surveillance is false. No evidence suggests WhatsApp is monitored in South Sudan; its encryption ensures privacy.

Writer: Makur Majeng

A viral WhatsApp message circulating in South Sudanese WhatsApp groups claiming that new communication rules would allow the government to monitor WhatsApp messages and calls is false. 

The message also included threats of arrest and prosecution for sharing content critical of the government or on sensitive topics while warning that devices are automatically connected to a government ministry system for monitoring.

Screenshot of the WhatsApp claim

In addition to that, it also claimed that WhatsApp has new rules for group members with different colours of ticks when messages are sent or read, warned users to avoid sharing “bad posts,” and advised WhatsApp group moderators to monitor their group content.

Screenshot of the claim

Claim Verification:

This is not a new claim, a Google keyword search showed that similar messages had been circulating globally since at least 2021. The same text, sometimes with minor variations, has appeared in countries like India, Nigeria, and Kenya, often sparking unnecessary alarm among users.

Other Facebook links are available here, here and here.

There has been no official announcement from WhatsApp or any government in South Sudan about effecting such measures. WhatsApp, owned by Meta, uses end-to-end encryption, which ensures that only the sender and receiver can read messages or access calls. Not even WhatsApp itself can intercept or monitor messages, let alone third parties like governments.

This claim has been debunked by various fact-checking organisations, including Fact Crescendo, NewsChecker and NewsMeter, in their previous investigations as false. 

211 Check also found an Africa Check fact-check, titled “No, WhatsApp is still fully encrypted,” published on their website in 2022. 

“This is false, all messages on WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted, meaning only the sender or the receiver can see or hear your messages, nobody else. Not even WhatsApp,” Africa Check quoted a WhatsApp official as saying at that time.

Conclusion

211 Check found earlier evidence which valid that the viral WhatsApp message is false and part of a recycling hoax that has been going on for a long.

The claim did not originate in South Sudan but from other countries around the world as part of misinformation which was debunked.

Neither the government of South Sudan nor other countries publicly announced such a move on recording WhatsApp calls and reading messages on the platform.

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.

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Explainer: Why cyber threats and scams remain a challenge in South Sudan?

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Misinformation and disinformation have been weaponised as tools to build trust and to create convincing narratives in phishing email messages or inbox alerts that influence users to accept or take action, whether by revealing their sensitive information.

Writer: Makur Majeng

As the digital space in South Sudan evolved, it has opened the door to cyber threats and scams from social media platforms and other online channels. The digital space continues to be the biggest driver of information dissemination among human populations, powered by both internet and mobile telecommunications penetration in the country.

Facebook and WhatsApp are widely used means of communication for a great majority. However, these platforms have become grounds for numerous cyber threats and scams—a real danger to users. 

Cyber threats are malicious acts that seek to damage data, steal data, or disrupt digital systems. It is normally perpetrated by individuals, criminal organisations, state actors, and terrorist organisations to achieve specific objectives.

Social media scams are suspicious activities by individuals who create fake profiles or pages and unexpectedly contact users on social media to gain their trust and manipulate them. A social media scammer pretends to be a friend, family member, or anybody with specific interests. 

On the other hand, they impersonate real business entities, employers, the government, and investment or online trading platforms.

This explainer provides an analysis to understand why such threats continue in South Sudan’s social media space.

Cyber Threats and Scams

According to a joint advisory issued by SafetyComm and 211 Check, in September this year, there are different categories of cyber scams rampant in South Sudan.

There have been false alarms where users receive notification messages directly in their inbox or email claiming to be sent from Meta or Facebook about page verification, violations of community standards, and copyright infringement. 

Some of these messages contain threats of account deletion or suspension and demand users to click malicious links within the next few hours. The intention is to entice the users to click malicious links that may lead to the compromise of their accounts.

In addition to that, a phishing attack has been used to acquire personal information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details. The attack weaponised malicious links embedded into the false alarm notification messages by those masquerading as trustworthy individuals or entities.  

These cyber threats and scam operations involve social engineering techniques by cybercriminals seeking to manipulate victims into providing their confidential data. 

This method involves using lures to obtain clicks, masquerading as known entities or contacts to entice the victim into providing confidential data like passwords, and clicking on a malicious link embedded within job advertisements, promotions, fake giveaways, or investment schemes.

In the last five years, SafetyComm recorded a total of 854 compromised social media accounts between 2021 and 2024. Most of the cyber threats and scams take place on the Facebook platform, which amounts to 57.3%, with WhatsApp (22.8%) and Instagram (18.9%), as documented by the SafetyComm.

The dangers that come after being comprised is that confidential data not meant for the public will get its way into the hands of unauthorised persons, leading to identity theft, data loss, and, in the worst-case scenario, unauthorised access to private materials like nudes. 

Common Cyber Scams 

Scammers send messages with claims that a user’s profile has met the requirements for a verified badge from Meta, and then users are asked to click shady links within 24 hours before it expires. Users received false alerts that they had violated Meta’s Community Standards by allegedly using fake photos or distributing misleading content and directing users to request a review through a malicious link.

Also, scammers threaten users that their accounts have violated copyright infringement and will be deleted if users fail to repeal the incident through a dubious link. 

So why are cyber scams still rampant in South Sudan?

Many social media users do not have the necessary basic cyber security knowledge and tools to detect and prevent deceptive messages or fraudulent activities.  This makes them vulnerable to clicking on malicious email links without a second thought as to whom the link is coming from, as well as reacting to providing confidential personal data when asked by impersonators. 

There are no strong mechanisms now to enforce cyber laws due to a lack of legal basis and expertise by law enforcement agencies in prosecuting various cyber fraud schemes. The Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Bill is still in parliament for deliberations. This shortcoming has empowered cybercriminals to perpetrate deadly operations against online users in the country. 

The Role of Misinformation and Disinformation

Misinformation and disinformation have been weaponised as tools to build trust and to create convincing narratives in phishing email messages or inbox alerts that influence users to accept or take action, whether by revealing their sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, and personal details or by doing what the message has urged them to do.

In this context, by spreading false or misleading information, attackers and scammers exploit online users’ emotions in terms of fear and curiosity to lure them in by clicking on malicious links or providing confidential data.

Conclusion:

The digital landscape in South Sudan has significantly remained vulnerable to cyber threats and scams. This is due to a lack of strengthened information technology infrastructure and a lack of digital literacy skills among online users, which leaves them vulnerable to social engineering tactics employed by cybercriminals.

The absence of enforceable cyber laws has created an environment where perpetrators operate with relative impunity, exploiting loopholes and targeting unsuspecting users on platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp.

To overcome these threats, there is a need to improve cybersecurity infrastructure and enhance digital literacy to empower the public on how to detect and avoid cyber scams. Besides, the national parliament should fast-track the enactment of the Cybercrime and Computer Misuse law to set the stage for enforcement to protect online users.

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.

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Explainer: How Starlink differs from other Internet service providers

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Starlink is a satellite internet service offered by Elon Musk’s SpaceX around the world, including South Sudan.

Writer: Makur Majeng

Starlink is a satellite internet service that provides high-speed internet to remote and underserved areas, including everywhere on Earth. Starlink was launched on May 23, 2019, by SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket. In comparison with traditional telecommunications companies and Internet service providers that offer Internet services, Starlink’s technology operates based on Low Earth Orbit at speeds of 7.7 km/s above the Earth’s surface and conveys Internet coverage directly from space. 

Source: Rafael Henrique / LightRocket via Getty Images

The differences between Starlink satellite and traditional Internet service providers (companies).

In contrast to traditional fibre optics, copper cables, cellular networks, or other physical infrastructures, the Starlink network consists of LEO satellites put in orbit. Later, these satellites will be used to establish connections with ground stations and user terminals known as small satellite dishes. 

As a result, it allows the company to provide internet services where it is impossible or economically impractical to lay a physical network infrastructure.

Meanwhile, telecom companies typically use fibre-optic cables, Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL), and cellular towers to provide internet services. 

On the other hand, Starlink provides global coverage and provides services for citizens in remote and rural areas, but telecom internet companies operate with limited coverage and serve the citizens of the city and suburban areas or wherever there is network infrastructure.

SpaceX’s Starlink Internet Service consists of a ground terminal (right) and antenna for high-speed satellite internet. (Image credit: SpaceX)

What are the pros and cons of Starlink?

Pros

Starlink enables internet penetration in locations where regular internet services are unavailable. It demands no need for enormous ground-based infrastructure and minimises time to deploy. 

The satellite infrastructure could ultimately result in lower operating costs compared to traditional physical infrastructures once the entire network is implemented.

Cons

Starlink for starters is expensive, and users must buy a satellite dish and router for setup, and weather-dependent typical performance can suffer from things like snow or rain, and it is also expensive for poor households to acquire Starlink for home use.

The number of countries using Starlink as of August 2024 includes 21 countries from continental America, which are the United States, Puerto Rico, United States Virgin Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Canada, Chile, Easter Island, Mexico, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Barbados, Peru, Colombia, Haiti, Ecuador, El Salvador, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala, Bahamas, Honduras, Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, and Costa Rica.

In Europe, there are 30 countries, including overseas territories, which include; the United Kingdom, Pitcairn Islands, Germany, France, Saint Martin, Saint Barthélemy, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Austria, Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, Denmark, Portugal, Switzerland, Poland, Italy, Czechia, Sweden, Croatia, Lithuania, Spain, Slovakia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Romania, Greece, Latvia, Hungary, North Macedonia, Luxembourg, Moldova, Estonia, Norway, Malta, Finland, Iceland, Cyprus, Georgia, and Albania.

In Oceania, there are 6 countries, which include New Zealand, Australia, Micronesia, Fiji, and Tonga. 

On the African continent, there are 13 countries, which include Nigeria, Rwanda, Mozambique, Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, Benin, Eswatini, Sierra Leone, Madagascar, South Sudan, Botswana, and Ghana. In Asia, there are 6 countries: Japan, Philippines, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, and Indonesia.

The Starlink availability map is here.

The global availability of the Starlink maps with the light blue location, source: Starlink

What are the future markets of traditional Internet service providers?

In rural or remote areas of competition, traditional Internet service providers (ISPs) like Liquid, Connect, IPTech, and others, for example, may not be as competitive as Starlink due to high infrastructure costs, and at the same time, the demand for their services may decrease with the growing Starlink penetration due to more users’ acquisitions of Starlink.

For ISPs to compete in reliability, speed, and reachability, they will need to invest heavily in expanding the coverage of fibre optic cable infrastructure in both remote and urban areas, which is financially very costly. 

However, Starlink is less costly in terms of infrastructure and can reach areas without cellular tower networks using its terminals and dishes.

In another related development, on January 8th, 2024, SpaceX successfully tested text messaging using its direct-to-cell satellites. The move further aims to overcome the challenge of connecting cell phones and other cellular devices to fast-moving satellites. 

Six satellites were launched, which function as cellphone towers in space and will provide text service in 2024 and voice, data services, and the Internet of Things (IoT) in 2025. 

This addition, according to Elon Musk, will allow mobile phone connectivity anywhere on Earth. However, he noted that it is not competitive with the existing terrestrial cellular networks. 

SpaceX has partnered with T-Mobile and other global operators to utilise the Long Term Evolution (LTE) spectrum, a fourth-generation network wireless standard offering seamless connectivity without the need for new devices or apps.

Conclusion:

Starlink technology is on the verge of becoming a major advancement in terms of the Internet service markets, especially for rural and underprivileged locations. On one hand, it is capable of providing worldwide coverage and scalability. 

However, its downsides include weather-dependent reliability and a relatively high cost for starters.

To remain competitive in the evolving telecom landscape, traditional carriers will need to adapt and invest—potentially striking internet infrastructures that cover hard-to-reach areas with reliable affordability for underprivileged locations. 

However, the entry of Starlink into the Internet markets has put pressure on traditional Internet service providers on how to retain and maintain market shares. 

In South Sudan, the National Communication Authority (NCA) approved Elon Musk’s Starlink Satellite Internet entry on June 26, 2024, and South Sudanese citizens have embraced the internet service compared with the fibre optic one.

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