Data Story: Covid-19 vaccine, the fear of the unknown

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Apparently, as  of February 2023, only 21.82 % of the South Sudanese population and 48.50 % of the target population are fully vaccinated, a figure way below the WHO recommended 60%.

Writer: Jibi Moses

Covid-19 (SARS-COV-2) was first reported in China’s Wuhan City in late 2019 and later led to reported cumulative cases of up to 988,737,697  Later on spread throughout the globe like wildfire and by 30th January 2020, World Health Organisation (WHO) had to declare it as a Public health emergency of international concern. Subsequently, on 11th March 2020, it was characterised as a pandemic outbreak. It has  caused a lot of fatalities in different parts of the world, especially in the United States of America, with a cumulative figure of 101,496,168 total reported cases. And Europe with 272,423,077, where France, Germany, England and Italy were among the most affected. Africa recorded 895189 cases and South Sudan with 18,360 as of 15th February 2023 after the first reported case on 5th of April 2020.

The principal mode by which people are infected with SARS-CoV-2 is through exposure to respiratory fluids carrying the infectious virus. Exposure occurs in three principal ways: inhalation of very fine respiratory droplets and aerosol particles; deposition of respiratory droplets and particles on exposed mucous membranes in the mouth, nose, or eye by direct splashes and sprays; and touching mucous membranes with hands that have been soiled either directly by virus-containing respiratory fluids or indirectly by touching surfaces with the fluids.

The virus keeps mutating, changing itself, and creating panic in the world. In other parts of the world, it looks down with reduced or no reported new cases on most days. In China, however, although most of its population is vaccinated, the cases continue to be reported daily.

The totally strange pandemic caused panic and fear as new cases were being reported, and the number of fatalities kept on growing every other day.  The panic and anxiety was fuelled by the absence of correct information on the ground. The existence of the Internet and mainly social media made it easy for the spread of false information. Misinformation, disinformation and rumors about the pandemic were spread  too. A Lot of predictions were made, especially about Africa. Luckily enough, some didn’t come to fulfillment.

With all these scientists and pharmaceutical companies across the globe did their best in research and tried to come up with varieties of vaccines to curb the epidemic. And  among these are AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BionTech and Johnson and Johnson. Much as these vaccines were easily accepted in some parts of the world and had an impact, they were received with resistance especially in Africa and mainly in areas where cases of fatalities  were not much, and South Sudan is not an exception. 

The vaccine faced resistance from the public and the anti vaccinators  spreading misinformation and rumors such as; covid-19 vaccines were intended to wipe out the African race, and myths that vaccines make one infertile. Also, some said covid-19 generally made to clear out the old generation and since many people didn’t die in Africa. Some now didn’t see any reason to get vaccinated as the danger of the pandemic is no longer scary.

Fig. 1. Pie Chart showing the Covid-19 vaccine uptake in the 10 States

Since the  vaccine was first introduced in April 2021. The Ministry of Health Statistics shows South Sudan’s vaccinated population is  21.89% of  the total population of 13,676,376  in February 2023. According to the WHO standard, this figure is too low to achieve public health safety; at least  60-70 % of the population should be vaccinated. The figure put South Sudan at the bottom with the least percentage of vaccine uptake in the region, besides the availability of the vaccine in the country and in most Health facilities.  This, therefore, poses a question, why are South  Sudanese hesitant to take up the vaccine

Total populationTarget populationTotal persons fully vaccinated Percentage of all ages population fully vaccinatedPercentage  of target population(18 years and above) fully vaccinated.
13,676,3766,154,4162,984,73121.82%48.50%

Fig.2. Table showing the details of the Total,Target Population and People fully vaccinated in Percentages   

More details from the Ministry of Health further shows that 

Fig.3  A Bar Chart showing the number of people vaccinated in the Ten states (Females and Males)

Fig.4 A graph showing the percentage of people vaccinated in different categories.

Mr. Mawa Bosco, the Founder and Executive Director of Ristal Institute in Juba, thinks South Sudanese are hesitant to take up the vaccine because they don’t see the need. He further says that unlike neighboring countries, we didn’t record many cases admitted at Intensive Care Unit(ICU). If I say we survived covid-19 because of intervention, that would be wrong. 

We just survived by God’s Grace. He said this in an interview at his office in Gurei.

So some people didn’t take the corona virus seriously from that point. Mapour, a journalist in Juba, says that religion also played a big role in tuning people’s minds to whether or not to take the vaccine. He gave an example of Jonglei state, a state with many people believing in different religious denominations but  less vaccine uptake.

The vaccine uptake has faced resistance because of rumors, myths and beliefs. But coming to understand, several people in the population do not know what vaccines are and how they work!

StatePopulationTotal persons fully vaccinated %age of all ages. Population fully vaccinated Target Population %of Target population (18+) fully vaccinated 
Northern Bahr El Ghazal1,173,396358,87330.58%528,02467.97%
Western Equatoria892,584265,65529.76%401,67666.14%
Warrap1,585,428409,52125.83%713,44857.40%
Unity 1,032,756255,40624.73%464,73654.96%
Eastern Equatoria1,649,100368,64922.35%742,10449.68%
Lakes1,246,788272,40921.85%561,07248.55%
Upper Nile1,609,260319,41219.85%724,17644.11%
Western Bahr El Ghazal544,95695,70917.56%245,23239.03%
Jondlie 2,118,140369,42417.44%953,17038.76%
Central Equatoria 1,811,004269,67314.89%814,94433.09%
Total13,676,3762,984,73121.82%6,154,41648.50%
Fig. 6. A table showing the details of the statistics of the population vaccinated in the ten states. 

Source : Ministry Of Health, South Sudan Government

 What are vaccines and their importance ?

Meanwhile some people who reject the vaccine and discourage others may not know what vaccines are and how they work. 

Vaccine is an antigenic preparation (Antigen) when introduced into an organism, induces the production of antibodies capable of fighting off infection of that organism by a given microorganism. The World Health Organization explains in detail how vaccines work in this explainer. 

They further go ahead to explain the importance of vaccinating the population. Vaccination protects the community, even those who cannot take the vaccine. Some people have lying conditions that could not enable them to take the vaccine. However, if most people are vaccinated, they will be protected too.

Dr Alfred Driwale of Makerere University says that  when an individual is vaccinated, that is personal health, but to achieve Public health, the majority of the population should be vaccinated.  

Dr Alfred Driwale further explains that complacency, lack of confidence, and convenience are the main contributing factors to vaccine hesitancy. He says that when there is a low perceived risk of vaccine-preventable diseases,  vaccination is not seen as necessary. Sometimes when other life/ health issues are a greater priority, vaccination is put on hold, furthermore, when the population has low trust and confidence in the vaccines, delivery systems and the health systems. Finally barriers related to geographic accessibility, availability, affordability and acceptability of the services. All these factors lead to low turn up.

Is there any hope?

On the 28th. January 2023, the government of South Sudan launched the second phase of the campaign. Through the Ministry of Health and partners: World Bank, Unicef and World Health Organisation, they aim to vaccinate 2.4 million South Sudanese of 18 and above years.

“We started by targeting the vulnerable groups of people like the health workers,and established 735 facilities   and 251 mobile units, we also trained and deployed health personnels in 26 idps and 22 refugee centers. However, consumption remained low as only 221236 eligible people were fully vaccinated. This translates to 16.4 % as per December 2022. Our target is to vaccinate 2,421,771 eligible persons of 18 years and above. Said Rev. Janet Micheal: Director General, Primary Health Care, Ministry of Health. 

During the same function, the Head of World Bank Group South Sudan, Dr. Firas Raad, said the country received 2.4 million doses of Johnson and Johnson vaccines in November 2022. Therefore, he called the public to come out willing to take the vaccine.

H.E Hussein  AbdelBagi Akol, the Vice president for Service cluster, decried the low coverage of the vaccine uptake, and he attributed this to limited information, especially in the village areas, high poverty levels and competing priorities, weak health system and continuous myths. He also observed that there’s open rejection of the vaccine by religious leaders. 

However, he promised to tighten the procedures and make sure the vaccine is accessible to everyone, in addition to making conditions hard for those who are not vaccinated.  said there’s no need for a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)  test when traveling as long as one is fully vaccinated. However, it will be demanded if not vaccinated: ‘ we shall continue to charge you for these tests until we are all vaccinated. The Minister of Health, Yolanda Awel Deng, warned the public about counterfeit drugs. People should go to public facilities to get the vaccine. 

Much as the uptake was too low, continuous  intervention by the government and implementing partners have tried to  improve the situation. David Manyang, the  Voice of Reconciliation  Radio Station Manager in Bor, said there was a lot of Misinformation and beliefs, especially religious. He said covid19 in the state was associated with the devil, and the fact that the Ministry of Health’s hotline is 6666 made people easily misled. However, with continued  awareness on Radio and offline, the people realized it was not true.

Jibi Moses Korsuk wrote this article under the sponsorship of the Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communication after successfully completing the fellowship for Excellence in Journalism.

Fact-check: Customs market battery photo traced to Zambia

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According to google’s reverse image, the image was taken in Zambia and first posted on Zambia Reports’ Facebook page on 2/03/2023.

Writer: Beatrice Amude Paulino

South Sudan Exposed, a South Sudanese online publication, posted on its Facebook a picture claiming it was taken in Custom, a market in the South Sudan capital, Juba city.

The post was captioned ‘somewhere in Custom market’ by South Sudan Exposed, which writes on various news in the whole country with 9,400 likes and over 10,000 followers on Facebook. 

The post with the picture allegedly taken at the Customs market portrays fake batteries sold as new in the Custom Market.

A screenshot of a fake battery from the South Sudan Exposed’s Facebook page

Investigation:

On doing a Reverse Image Search on Google, the 211 Check team found that this image was first reported in Zambia by a local online news organisation named Zambia Report. 

According to the Zambia Report Facebook page, the batteries are sold at Matero – Lusaka, Zambia.

We could not track down any reputable news outlets that reported on the alleged incident.

A screenshot of Zambia Report Facebook page post

Conclusion:

The claim that a battery photo was taken in Customs Market is false. A Google reverse image search shows that the image originated from Zambia, not the Juba Customs market.

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

Fact-check: No, an Angel didn’t appear in Rumbek town

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No, this picture has been used in Zambia and Kenya. All the evidence shows that this picture didn’t originate from Rumbek, South Sudan

Writer: Jibi Moses

An image posted on a local online Facebook page Juba Eye, claiming an Angel was seen in Rumbek town, is false.

The post that reads, “An Angel has reportedly appeared in Rumbek town this evening”, attracted over one thousand reactions, three hundred comments and thirty-six shares. However, from the comments people were already making on the posts, there were concerns.

A screenshot of the image reported to have been An Angel in Rumbek. 

Investigation:

A reverse image search on Google by 211 Check returns results showing that the image in the post had been used before in Zambia, with the same claim of an Angel spotted in Mongu Zambia by a Facebook user in the name of Hon Chardrin Nseema Nseemanini- Speaks.; further still, it has been used in other social media pages as shown in here, here, and here,

The same claim was fact-checked in Kenya by Kenyan.co.ke, an online news outlet by a journalist Maureen Njeri, on 4 March 2023. A YouTube video posted on the 5th of March, 2023, gives more clues after the ‘angel’ was reportedly seen in the Gaturi area, Murang’a County in Kenya.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds the claim that an Angel appeared in Rumbek town false. Reverse image searches very clearly tell that no Angel was seen in Rumbek. 

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

Fact-check: A Facebook post saying banks in South Sudan are approving loans is a scam

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There is no South Sudanese bank giving out loans, this is another online fraud. It shows how scammers use fake loan adverts to trick people into giving their personal information.

Writer: Jibi Moses 

Beware of loan scams on social media! A post with the bold headline “New Loan, Apply for up to $16000” is making rounds on social media in South Sudan. The post claims that banks in the country approve loans of up to $20,000, even for those with debt, and provides a link for interested individuals to click to access the loan money. However, the post is nothing but a scam.

The page behind the post, named Finance-Personal loans, introduces itself as Escrow, and it is neither rated nor has any reviews. Only a few people reacted to the post, but some expressed interest in the opportunity.

The link in the post leads to a page that asks how much money you need and provides four options to choose from. Clicking on any of the figures takes you to the next page, which looks a little suspicious. The page asks if you have a credit card and gives you three options to choose from: “Yes,” “No,” or “No, I would like to.”

Screenshot of the false post on Facebook

A screenshot of the main advert of the post.

After selecting an option, you will be directed to another page where you need to confirm that you are not a robot. After that, you will be redirected to a website owned by M&T Bank, an American bank holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York.

The website has unclear instructions, but a small instruction says, “I need my loan.”

The template where one is given the options of money amount 

“When you click on any of the amounts or figures above, the next slide appears scary and suspicious.

“Do you have a credit card?” is the question presented, with the options of “Yes,” “No,” or “I would like to.” You must select an option to continue.”

“Whatever choice you make, you will be directed to the next page, where you will be asked to confirm that you are not a robot. 

This is a website of M&T BANK with unclear instructions, except for a small instruction that I need for my loan.”

Upon investigation, it was discovered that the link provided in the post, when analysed on Whois, was for a different company called Returso. M&T Bank has no branch in South Sudan or dealings in the country. Therefore, the post is nothing but a scam, and no banks in South Sudan are giving out loans to anyone.

Screenshot showing Whois information for the scam site

Screenshot showing Whois information for M&T Bank

M&T BANK

Meanwhile, M&T Bank Corporation is an American Bank holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. It has no branch in South Sudan nor any dealings in the country.

Conclusion:

Based on the information presented, the entire article appears to be fraudulent since no South Sudan banks provide loans to individuals. The two organisations, Returso and M&T Bank mentioned do not have a presence in this region, and their websites do not indicate any offers for free loans.

Scammers use these tricks for fishing out people’s personal details, which they later use for personal gains. These personal details include email addresses, bank account information, social media accounts, and more. It is important to remain vigilant and protect oneself against cybercrime.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Before applying for any loans, research and check the authenticity of the institution offering the loan. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

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

Fact-check: This image was not taken in Juba

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A viral picture claiming to have been taken in Juba, South Sudan, of someone sleeping outside under a mosquito net due to an alleged earthquake was taken in Uganda in June 2022.

Writer: Jibi Moses

A viral picture was posted on social media claiming to have been taken in Juba, but this is unproven. Among these pages that shared the claim are Aweil TV and a Facebook user name Sir Yol Isaac. Together the posts garnered over 80 reactions.

The post, which the owner posted at the end, was posted when a rumour was making rounds alleging the purported occurrence of an earthquake in  Juba, the capital city of South Sudan and other parts of the country.

The photo appears to show someone sleeping outside under a mosquito net after people were told not to sleep inside their houses to avoid fatalities—a rumour debunked by 211 Check.

A screenshot of the image.

A reverse image search by 211 Check on the image shows that it was once used by Juba, South Sudan, in September 2022. It partly reads, “..This life has no balance, with images of tears of South Sudanese citizens.”

It appears to have been first posted on June 19, 2022, by Muvistar SaveLife Youth Foundation Uganda, a community-based nonprofit, with the caption, “I was amazed seeing this boy trying to save his life from Malaria by setting up a Mosquito net. Street Children’s influence increases every day in the urban cities of Uganda.”

It was also shared on Twitter here on October 23, 2022.

Conclusion:

The viral image claiming to show someone sleeping outside under a mosquito net in Juba, South Sudan, due to an alleged earthquake, is false and originated in Uganda in June 2022, according to a reverse image search by 211 Check. It highlights the importance of fact-checking viral images before sharing them on social media platforms to avoid spreading misinformation.

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

Data Story: 10.23% rise in the number of students registered for the certificate of secondary education examinations this year

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35,459 candidates registered for the CSE exams in the academic year 2022/23, with 22,920 males and 12,539 females. Last year, 32,167 candidates registered, with 21,799 males and 10,368 females.

Writer: Emmanuel Bida Thomas

The Ministry of General Education and Instruction released the schedule for the 2022/23 Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE) Examinations last week, which will take place from March 20 to March 31, 2023.

According to Awut Deng Acuil, Minister of General Education and Instruction, 35,459 candidates have registered for the 2022/23 academic year exams. There are 12,539 females and 22,920 males among them.

However, compared to the previous year, when 32,167 candidates enrolled, including 21,799 males and 10,368 females, this year’s total number of candidates registered represents a 10.23% percent decrease.

Male candidates increased by 1,121 from 21,799 in the 2021/22 exams, and female candidates also increased by 2,171 from 10,368 the previous year.

YearMalesFemalesTotal
2020/2122,72411,63834,362
2021/2221,79910,36832,167
2022/2322,92012,53935,459
Table showing number of CSE candidates for the last three years

Awut Deng Acuil, Minister of General Education and Instruction, explained that the small number of candidates this academic year is due to security issues in certain regions of South Sudan, the adverse effects of COVID-19, which caused extended school closures, and the destructive floods.

S/NoState/AreaNumber of CandidatesNumber of Schools
Abyei Administrative Area2585
Jonglei State1,39820
Lakes State1,90115
Unity State77720
Pibor Administrative Area421
Eastern Equatoria State2,51629
Ruweng Administrative Area1,52319
Western Equatoria State1,29429
Central Equatoria State13,942135
Northern Bahr-el-Ghazal State2,02828
Western Bahr-el-Ghazal State3,07526
Warrap State1,82628
Upper Nile State1,87328
IDP Juba3,00415
Table showing number of Candidates and Schools by State and Administrative Areas
Document showing statistics of students for this year’s CSE

Conclusion:

This data analysis indicates that secondary education in South Sudan is on the rise, despite a slight overall decrease in the number of registered candidates. The increase in male and female candidates, while remaining lower than the male candidate count, is a positive sign that more females are pursuing secondary education and have access to the necessary resources. This could indicate a shift in attitudes towards female education in South Sudan and an overall increase in investment in education. However, further research is needed to better understand the situation in South Sudan, particularly in terms of educational opportunities and resources available to students.

Fact-check: A massive figure sightings over Juba and Rumbek proven false

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Claims that a massive figure was seen in the sky above Juba or Rumbek in South Sudan are false, as a reverse image search shows that the image was actually taken in Zambia in 2017.

Writer: Emmanuel Bida Thomas

Social media has been abuzz with claims that a massive figure resembling the evil ‘dementors’ from the Harry Potter series was seen in the sky above Juba, South Sudan or Rumbek, a town in South Sudan’s Lakes State. 

The image was shared by several Facebook users here, here, here, and here.

Facebook post claiming that the image is from Rumbek.

However, a reverse image search shows that this is not the case. The image has actually been circulating on social media since March 2017, and reports suggest that it was taken above the Mukuba Mall in the city of Kitwe in north-central Zambia.

Reported by the Uk’s The Sun, Daily Star, FZN, and Yahoo News.

The claims that the image is from South Sudan are entirely unfounded. The image has been debunked multiple times since it first appeared in 2017, and it has been widely reported that it was taken in Zambia.

It is important to note that social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter can be hotbeds of misinformation and fake news, especially during times of crisis or uncertainty. Verifying any claims before sharing them with others is crucial in such situations. One way to do this is by conducting a reverse image search, which can quickly reveal an image’s original source and help debunk any false claims.

In this case, a reverse image search shows that the image in question is not from South Sudan, but rather from Zambia. It is not uncommon for images to be misattributed or taken out of context on social media, so it is important to be vigilant when sharing information online.

Conclusion:

Claims that a massive figure resembling a ‘dementor’ from the Harry Potter series was seen in the sky above Juba or Rumbek in South Sudan are false. The image has been circulating on social media since 2017, and it was actually taken above the Mukuba Mall in Kitwe, Zambia.

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

Fact-check: Rumor of an earthquake in South Sudan debunked; no seismic activity recorded

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A rumor claiming that South Sudan would experience an earthquake worse than the one in Turkey was circulated on social media, but there was no credible evidence to support it.

Writer: Emmanuel Bida Thomas

On the night of February 27th, a rumor began circulating on social media platforms, including Facebook and WhatsApp, that South Sudan was about to experience an earthquake worse than the one that hit Turkey. The rumor that was shared here and here instructed people to stay outside of their buildings to avoid harm. However, there was no earthquake in South Sudan last night, and no credible media reports suggest otherwise.

Screenshot of a Facebook post with the false claim

It is crucial to rely on credible sources of information and avoid spreading rumors that can lead to dangerous situations. In this case, a South Sudanese researcher quickly dismissed the rumors, stating that there was no threat of an earthquake and that the rumors were unfounded. People should always look to official sources for information during times of crisis, such as government agencies and reputable news outlets.

“People should panic only with scientifically informed communique regarding any natural disaster,” M. Ajang Mathiang, Research Assistant at Telolink Technology, said in a Facebook post.

There were no significant confirmed earthquakes in or near South Sudan in the past 24 hours, according to Earthquake Track and VolcanoDiscovery.

South Sudan’s recent tremors

3.4- the strength of tremor felt in Juba on February 25, 2022 on the Richter scale.

4.5- the strength of the tremor felt in Torit on 25 February 2022 on the Rickter scale.

3.8- the strength of tremor felt in Juba in December 2021 on the Richter scale

7.5- the strength of tremor felt in South Sudan in 1990

Can an earthquake be predicted or told beforehand?

According to various sources here, here, and here, earthquakes cannot be accurately predicted. Seismologists can only estimate where and when earthquakes may be likely to occur by calculating probabilities and forecasts based on past seismic activity425.

However, seismologists use seismographs to detect and record earthquakes as they happen. They also study fault lines to see how ancient earthquakes have shaped the Earth’s crust.

Rumors and false information can spread quickly on social media, causing panic and fear. It is essential to verify the accuracy of such information before spreading it to others, especially during times of crisis. In this case, the rumor caused unnecessary fear and anxiety among the South Sudanese population, who spent the night outside their homes anticipating an earthquake that never occurred.

Conclusion:

The rumor that South Sudan was about to experience a devastating earthquake worse than the one that hit Turkey last night is false. No credible media reports suggest otherwise. It is crucial to rely on verified sources of information and avoid spreading rumors that can cause unnecessary fear and panic. By doing so, we can help ensure that people stay safe and informed during times of crisis.

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

Data Story: Over 260 abductees reunited with their families between 2021 and 2023 in Jonglei and GPAA

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Inter-communal clashes in South Sudan have been involving children and women abductions, an act the UN strongly condemns as ‘horrific’. Fortunately, efforts to locate and reunite the abductees with their families have been effective in the last three years between Jonglei State and Greater Pibor. 

Writer: Ghai Aketch 

Armed inter-communal violence in some parts of South Sudan has left families separated due to abductions.  The act has been targeting vulnerable children and women. This is perceived as a violation of human rights according to several condemnation issued by the UN. 

The advocacy groups and local governments have been playing their role in locating and recovering abductees, and fortunately many have reunited with their families. 

This data story envelopes the available records of the recovered abductees who are mainly children and women, from 2021 to 2023. 

In this period, a total of 266 abductees have been reunited with their loved ones in 2021 to 2023. Thanks to the cooperation between humanitarian agencies, local governments of Jonglei State and Greater Pibor Administrative Area, GPAA.

But  more than 2,000 children and women were abducted in a period of six months from around July 2022 to January 2023 according to authorities in Jonglei State and GPAA. 

However, out of this figure, GPAA claims that nearly 2,000 members are missing in its community, a claim Jonglei State refutes as an inflated figure. 

The chart above shows number of abductees recovered in each year

Also in 2023, from the chart above, 123 abductees of Pibor origin were recovered in Jonglei State by efforts of government and humanitarian agencies. This figure is the highest in the three-year period. 

It is also followed by 118 who were recovered in 2021. However, 2022 had the least number of recovered abductees, having only 25 reunited with their families. 

From 2021 to 2022, Jonglei State returned  to Pibor 95.86 percent of the total number in the period. That is equal to 255 recovered abductees. Additionally, in the same duration, Pibor returned to Jonglei 4.14 percent, an equivalent of eleven (11)  abductees. 

 Conclusion

The United Nations agencies and the local governments in Jonglei and Greater Pibor Administrative Area have collaboratively worked in advocating for the recovery of abductees. 

This cooperation saw recovery of these 266 vulnerable children and women which is lauded by human rights activists as a positive advancement towards upholding human dignity. 

The reports from the two communities point out that they have more missing members. This has been upping the call for further engagement with the chiefs to locate the allegedly abducted children and women. 

Social Media Health Report, January 2023

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Writer: Emmanuel Bida Thomas

The current social media health report is based on data gathered from January 1st to January 31st, 2023. It examines the most prevalent conversations on social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Twitter. The study also evaluates the prevalence of hate speech, false information, and incitement to violent content shared by both South Sudanese online and those abroad related to South Sudan. The report also looks at the growth and landscape of digital and social media in South Sudan.

The report analyses the activity of the top Facebook pages, groups, Instagram accounts, and Twitter handles using tools such as CrowdTangle, Vicinitas, and other monitoring methods. The key topics featured in the report are determined by their level of engagement and attention received on social media.

Throughout the reporting period in January 2023, several social media accounts posted an average of 2 times per day, with over a thousand posts published.

Key Findings and Issues:

  1. 13 people were killed and five others wounded in an attack in the Abyei region on 3rd January 2023

According to a statement from the United Nations Interim Security Forces for Abyei (UNISFA), a combined armed group of Nuer and Twic Dinka launched an early morning attack on Rumamer village, 15 kilometres south of Abyei Box, killing thirteen people and injuring five others (all Ngok Dinkas), while burning down 27 houses.

The news surprised social media, and users expressed sympathy for the souls who died while also sending condolences.

Oil-rich Abyei has been a source of contention since South Sudan’s independence in July 2011. The two countries have yet to reach an agreement on border mapping.

Screenshot of a viral social media live video by Radio Tamazuj

  1. Graduation of over 3,000 necessary unified forces in Unity State on 15th January 2023

On January 15, 2023, at least 3,000 unified police forces graduated from the Kaljaak training centre in Unity State. Tut Gatluak Manime, the Presidential Advisor on Security Affairs, presided over the graduation and urged the police officers to protect civilians and their property.

Discussions on this development were centred around the graduation delay and the need to cater to the forces’ welfare.

A Screenshot of a viral post by SSBC News

  1. After years of feuding, singers Mary Boyoi and Lady Kola reconcile.

Mary Boyoi and Lady Kola are two South Sudanese female artists who have been feuding over some sort of disagreement. Following Promoter Kay Two’s announcement that they would perform at a Together for Peace Concert in Aweil, Northern Bahr-el-Ghazal State, Mary Boyoi stated that she would boycott the concert if Lady Kola were present.

A discussion ensued online, particularly about the importance of not having such a difference since they were attending a peace concert. The organisers had to sit both singers down, which resulted in reconciliation, and they did, indeed, perform on the same stage at the peace concert.

A Screenshot of a viral post by Hot in Juba

  1. Alijoma Mabil and John Frog. What went wrong?

Alijoma Mabil and John Frog, two South Sudanese male artists and their fans, began an online exchange that appeared normal but contained elements of hate speech. In early January, they called each other out on social media in several posts.

A Screenshot of a viral post by Alijoma Mabil

  1. Response to remarks by Kalisto Lado on Clubhouse

In his capacity as a leader of the Bari Community Association, the former mayor of the Juba City Council, Kalisto Lado, has spoken out against the brutal slaughter of members of his community in Mangalla at the hands of cattle herders. He claimed that the herders had the goal of “occupying” land in Central Equatoria as part of their plan.

Clubhouse, an audio platform, was used by the ethnic group of herders living in the diaspora to respond condescendingly to the allegations against them.

Screenshot of a Clubhouse recording doing the rounds online

  1. The #SSOT Twitter hashtag

Using Vicinitas, a tool that tracks and analyses real-time historical tweets, tracking the hashtag #SSOT reveals no major hate speech-related or disinformation terms among the engagements on the Twitter platform during the reporting period.

Word Cloud 

The type of content being shared consists primarily of major retweets, and the majority are text-based.

Types of posts and media

Analysis:

The social media trends in South Sudan reflect a mix of reactions to current events and discussions on various topics. The attack in the Abyei region, the graduation of the unified police forces, and the reconciliation of Mary Boyoi and Lady Kola were met with sympathy and support. At the same time, the online exchange between Alijoma Mabil and John Frog contained elements of hate speech. The former mayor of Juba City Council, Kalisto Lado, spoke out against the brutal slaughter of his community. Still, the ethnic group of herders living in the diaspora used the Clubhouse platform to respond condescendingly.

The analysis of the #SSOT hashtag on Twitter showed no major hate speech or disinformation-related terms during the reporting period. However, the spread of misinformation and disinformation remains an issue of concern. The discussions on social media reflect the need for unity, peace, and the welfare of citizens and the concern over unresolved disputes and conflicts in the region.

Recommendations:

To improve social media discourse in South Sudan, it is crucial for users to adopt responsible and ethical practices. Recommendations include promoting respectful and peaceful discussions, verifying the accuracy of the information, using social media to build bridges and foster dialogue, encouraging critical thinking and fact-checking, and promoting media literacy and digital citizenship. By following these guidelines, users can contribute to a more informed and peaceful online community in South Sudan.