Old hoax about WhatsApp ‘ending tomorrow at 6 pm’ circulating again in South Sudan, but here’s the truth
By 211 Check Editorial Team
The infamous Varun Pulyani WhatsApp message has reappeared. The fake message purporting to be from WhatsApp’s director, Varun Pulyani, has been circulating once more since the platform’s decision to update its privacy policy sparked outrage among users. The fake message, which has previously circulated on several occasions, claims that the platform will begin charging money unless users spread the message.
“Do not ignore please read it carefully” Hello, I am VARUN PULYANI director of whatsapp, this message is to inform all our users that we have sold whatsapp to Mark Zuckerberg for 19 billion dollars. WhatsApp is now controlled by mark zuckerberg. If you have at least 20 contacts, send this text message and your whatsapp logo will change to a new icon with the “f” of facebook in 24 hours. Forward this message to more than 10 people to activate your new whatsapp with facebook services or else your account will be removed from the new servers,” says the fake WhatsApp message.
The message goes on to say that “the platform’s servers have recently been very congested, which is why we are asking for your assistance.” This issue has been resolved. We require our active users to forward this message to each of their contacts in order to confirm our active users using WhatsApp; if you do not forward this message to all of your contacts, WhatsApp will begin charging you, (SIC).”
“If you do not send this message to all your contacts, WhatsApp will then start to charge you. Your account will remain inactive with the consequence of losing all your contacts,” the message reads
Users should be aware, however, that there is no Varun Pulyani in WhatsApp, and that the platform only disseminates information through its official blog or social media handles. VARUN PULYANI is not, and has never been, a WhatsApp director. The message that is going around is a hoax.
Debunked in 2012 and many times since
A simple search on Google shows that different versions of this message have been circulating for at least nine years.
On its website, WhatsApp advises users that unwanted messages from unauthorised third parties try to “deceive you and prompt you to act in a certain way.” It lists four signs of hoax messages:
The sender claims to be affiliated with WhatsApp.
The message content includes instructions to forward the message.
The message claims you can avoid punishment, like account suspension, if you forward the message.
The message content includes a reward or gift from WhatsApp or another person.
South Sudan WhatsApp users are being targeted by this hoax, but when you receive a scam message, WhatsApp advises that you block the sender, disregard the message and delete it. – 211 Check
Conclusion:
211 Check, therefore, concludes that the WhatsApp message and audio circulating are a HOAX, disregard the message and do not forward it further.
To know more about our fact-checking process, visit: https://211check.org/how-to-fact-check/ or send us a WhatsApp Message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim, our team will immediately fact-check it and send you a feedback.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Is-WhatsApp-Ending-Tomorrow-at-6-PM.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2021-10-12 14:26:182021-10-12 14:26:30Fact-Check: Is WhatsApp ‘ending tomorrow at 6 pm’? Here’s the truth
Data obtained by 211 Check according to media estimates show that 114 individuals were killed as a result of violence in the month of September. This is based on information obtained from mainstream media; Radio Tamazuj, Eye Radio, and Radio Miraya news reports.
In comparison to August, when 192 persons were killed across the country, the September killings represent a 40.63 percentage fall.
The majority of the deaths happened in Warrap State, where 30 people died, mostly as a result of floods. Western Equatoria State ranks next, with 26 deaths, the majority of which occurred during the renewed conflict in Tambura despite ongoing peace and reconciliation efforts.
The third state, Jonglei, had 13 cases, mostly due to ambushes and snake bites.
Western Bahr-el-Ghazal State registered 11 deaths whereas both Central Equatoria and Lakes States had 10 deaths each.
Five people died in both Eastern Equatoria State and Unity respectively. In Northern Bahr-el-Ghazal, 04 people were killed.
There were no media reports of violence related killings in any of the three administrative areas of Abyei, Ruweng, or Greater Pibor and Upper Nile State
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/September-2021-Data-Flourish.png5431043211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2021-10-07 11:09:012021-10-07 11:09:14Reported Killings in South Sudan, September 2021: 114 Dead
The monitoring for this social media health report took place from September 1, 2021, to September 30, 2021.
This month’s monitoring includes a comprehensive study of social media posts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp using CrowdTangle, Vicinitas, and Better TweetDeck platforms.
The report’s content is based on how viral it is and how many people interact with it. This report also studies disinformation and/ or misinformation campaigns, online hate speech and incitement to violence, coordinated behaviour and/or influence operations.
Key issues of the month
Omah Lay’s Show in Juba
A picture shared by SSDGuna.com, an online blog with the caption “Check out how Omah lay moved the audience at freedom hall..juba south sudan..” on Sunday, 5th September had over 4,000 interactions, 297 comments and 27 shares.
But, infact, the photo was not of his show in Juba, Freedom Hall. The photo shared by SSDGuna.com was when Omah Lay performed in Kampala, Uganda in 2021.
Many comments on the post disapproved of the post as being taken in South Sudan. “This is Uganda, the day he was arrested for breaking COVID-19 rules,” reads a comment on the post. “Nonsense. How can you copyright photos from Uganda claiming it was taken here. That’s why we don’t trust ourselves,” reads another comment.
Screenshot of SSDGuna.com Post about Omah Lay’s Post
Speech by Student Representative at a graduation in Egypt
A video shared by South Sudan Media, a Facebook Page in which a South Sudanese Student Representative spoke during their graduation in Egypt got over 51,200 views, 3,000 interactions, 112 comments and 129 shares.
In the comment section, congratulatory messages were shared to all graduates. “Thousand million congratulations. God bless you all,” reads a comment.
Screenshot of a video post by South Sudan Media
Viral Photos of Gau Gau Garang, a teacher in Aweil North County, Northern Bahr-el-Ghazal State
Photos of a teacher with disability, in Aweil North County, Northern Bahr-el-Ghazal State shared by SSDTV and other online media platforms went viral from 4th September through 6th September. Gau Gau Garang could be seen in pictures teaching primary school children under a tree. Many commentators described his contribution as the true meaning of “disability is not inability”
The online campaign offered him recognition by the state ministry of education and philanthropists.
Screenshot of a viral post by SSD TV about Tr. Gau Gau in Aweil
Juba City Mayor raids witchcraft home in Gudele Block 9, warns against the practice
A raid by Kalisto Lado, the mayor for Juba City Council in what has been termed as a “den” of witches in the Gudele suburb was a talk of Social Media on Sunday, 5th September 2021 – During a inspection visit, the mayor and his team surprisingly visited “witch house” where they found photos of people who have allegedly been bewitched.
The photos first posted by the mayor’s official spokesperson and re-shared by Talk of Juba got over 488 interactions, 316 comments and 540 shares. Several social media users on Facebook and Twitter made memes. The women arrested later appeared in court.
There were mixed views in the comments section. Though others praised the mayor, others did not like the idea – because according to them, witchcraft might be the source of livelihood for those whose shrine was raided.
A Talk of Juba post about Juba City Mayor Kalisto Lado storming a shrine
Vice President for Gender, Youth and Humanitarian Cluster lauds National Basketball team
The Vice President for Gender, Youth and Humanitarian Cluster, Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior lauded the South Sudan National Basketball team for their outstanding performance in Rwanda.
She said she was very proud of the work of the team in their debut at the Afro Basketball 2021 and emerging 5th.
A Video shared by Twic Media Reports got over 16,800 views, 1,000 interactions, 100 comments and 93 shares. Commentators thanked her for acknowledging the great work of the Basketball team and its leadership. However, They called on the government to support the team financially.
Screenshot of Twic Media Reports Video of Vice President Nyandeng
Adut Akech buys first house in America
The story of Adut Akech buying her first house in America at the age of 21 which she shared on Instagram on Saturday, 4th September got over 394,630 interactions, 10,316 comments and several shares on Facebook.
She captioned it “I DID IT, I BOUGHT MY FIRST HOUSE in America!!!!! 🥺🥺🥺🥺 I’m usually quiet about personal things like this, I just be moving in silence but this one is TOO big of an achievement and proud moment for me to not share with the world. I cannot believe that at 21 years old I’m a proud owner of 5 HOUSES!!! 🤯 I sit back reflect on my life and the things I have achieved within my career and personal life…. and damn I’m so bloody PROUD of myself for staying focused and working…”
Most comments were congulatory on her milestone, especially at a tender age.
Adut Akech Celebrates her new home in an instagram post
A touching message of an orphan girl child at Stone International Church asking for support from philanthropists and requesting the President for help because they are the future of this nation.
The video was shared by Dynamq, a South Sudanese singer with the caption, “When I wrote the song “Eyal Del” it was her story. Dynamq & The Voices of South Sudan | Eyal Del”
The video got a total of 102,400 views, 5,000 interactions, 470 comments and 861 shares. Several commentators expressed solidarity with the little child in the video.
South Sudan earns respect after AfroBasketball 2021
On September 13th 2021, the President of the South Sudan Basketball Federation, Luol Deng said South Sudan has now earned respect following their performance at the Afro Basketball 2021 in Kigali, Uganda. According to him, many teams now needed their players. The post by City Review got 306 interactions, 31 comments and 11 shares.
Commentators poured congratulatory messages as well as appreciation to Lual Deng, the Federation’s president.
South Sudan receives 152,950 doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines donation from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
A message shared by the US Embassy in Juba, South Sudan said the vaccines were of the United States Government’s efforts in fighting COVID-19.
The post had over 2,000 interactions, 128 comments and 38 reactions.Most comments were expressing gratitude for the support extended by the US government.
Arrival of Johnson and Johnson Vaccines to South Sudan
Meet Kiden, a model with hearing defects representing South Sudan in Tanzania
Josephine Kiden is a 24-year-old model born in Juba with hearing defects. As the world marks the International week of Deaf People, South Sudan celebrates Kiden for qualifying to represent her country in the upcoming Miss and Mr. Deaf Africa 2021 beauty contest in Tanzania.
It has always been Kiden’s dream to prove to the world that deaf people are as talented as people without disabilities. Now is the perfect opportunity, she says. While growing up, children in school and in Kiden’s neighborhood would mock her, name-calling her “Atarasa,” an Arabic word for a deaf person. A word she detests bitterly.
Josephine Kiden to Represent South Sudan in Miss Deaf Africa
Twitter Engagement
In the last 10 days of September, 647 Twitter users in South Sudan made over 1,900 tweets with 7,000 engagements and had an influence of 6.1 million on Twitter as seen in the following image.
Twitter Word Cloud for #SSOT and #SouthSudan in the last 10 days of September
The most used hashtag is the #SSOT which stands for South Sudanese on Twitter followed by #SouthSudan. The #SSOT was used over 1,900 times whereas the #SouthSudan was used over 527 times
Most Used Hashtags in South Sudan Twitter
Most South Sudanese on Twitter retweet posts accounting for 67.4% and the most used media in these posts are photos with 87.7% followed by videos with 11.4%
Pie charts showing Types of Posts and Rich Media by South Sudanese on Twitter
Social Media Analysis:
The first week of the month had discussions revolving around Omah Lay’s show in Juba – a show that was sponsored by Lucky Charm, a music manager. This shows that the music industry continues to be of public interest on South Sudan’s social media space.
Another discussion in the same week was around the disabled teacher in Aweil Northern Bahr-el-Ghazal. The messages shared by commentators show that South Sudanese online are appreciative of the role played by persons with disabilities in the country. There are some digital natives who came forward to assist the teacher who subsequently received recognition for his state education ministry.
A crackdown by the Juba City Mayor on witchcraft and wizardry caught attention – nonetheless, in later stages of the discussion, men were throwing blames on women as person who are so much into the practice of witchcraft – these stereotypes did not go well with most women who answered back and there were unhealthy debates and counter blames.
Progress made by the national basketball team at the Afro Basketball in Kigali, Rwanda was in the middle of the month among the top discussed topics – this was supplemented by the remarks of the Vice President for Youth and Gender Cluster who lauded the excellent work of the club – and assured of government’s support to further develop the sport. – most commentators called on the government to support sports so it can go to the international level.
Instagram and Twitter: The number of South Sudanese on Instagram and Twitter continues to be really low. Most of the interesting and engaging discussions around South Sudan topics happen on Facebook and in WhatsApp groups. On Twitter South Sudan content is unified by the hashtags #SSOT and #SouthSudan. The word cloud above clearly gives an indication of the dominating discussions on Twitter.
Conclusion
Using social media monitoring technologies, discourse, and content analysis, this report examines the online behavior of South Sudanese social media users. Hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation efforts, also known as Coordinated Inauthentic Behaviour (CIB), have all decreased in the last few weeks, according to this month’s monitoring. Not just the postings, but also the comment sections, have been largely positive.
Furthermore, the speeches given by government representatives are neither violently inflammatory nor misleading. The words they choose and the way they deliver them to the public are carefully chosen.
Furthermore, the report found that social media users are open and courteous in their interactions.
As a result, according to the research, total social media involvement is fairly healthy. There hasn’t been anything in the way of hate speech or demands for violence. As a result, powerful activists and government leaders should avoid spreading conspiracies and sending conflict-sensitive messages.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/September-2021-South-Sudan-Social-Media-Health-Report.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2021-10-07 10:08:082021-10-07 10:08:18September 2021 South Sudan Social Media Health Report
By Woja Emmanuel Wani and Viola Elias – AFF Cohort 3 fellows
South Sudan like other countries is battling to contain the spread of Covid-19 since the world youngest nation registered its first coronavirus case on April 5 2019 through a foreign national that travelled from the Netherlands via Ethiopia capital Addiss-Ababa and later to Juba.
For a country with 12 million people and with the poorest health infrastructure according to UN health reports, the situation of people living with disabilities could be way far devastating.
According to the South Sudan Union of People with Disabilities, close to 11% of the population of South Sudan are probably or in fact affected by disabilities, representing over one million PwDs. Within camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) alone, it is estimated that there are up to 250,000 PwDs.
According to members of civil society, since Covid-19 emergence, the status quo of PWDs has changed drastically, ranging from their socialization, rights, freedoms, among others. Many activists say the disease increased fear, stigmatization and has worsened the health conditions of people with disability.
A 2013 UN report stated that out of the 15% of PWDs in South Sudan, 5.8% need to be provided with services. But this has not been the case for Sarah Andrua – a physically impaired orphan who lost both parents in early 2000s when she was 1.
The 20 year old University of Juba student says she finds it difficult to transport herself from home to school due to lack of mobility.
“Before I came to Juba to live with my uncle, I had spent most of my childhood at the orphanage home in Nimule. Growing without my parents and with parental love was not something easy at all. At some point in my life, I moved from one relative’s house to another”
Sarah narrated her ideal to 211 Check.
Sarah stressed that as a person with physical disability, she endured stigma from her own family and community members.
“We people with physical disabilities have our own challenges which include rejection by our families and communities but when covid-19 came, it became more difficult for us. As for my case, transportation has been my main challenge to extend I at some point, I was about to quit my studies. Imagine, I commute from Gudele Jebel Yausu residential area everyday to the campus in Hai Soura”
Sarah added.
The Bachelor Degree ‘Community Studies’ student added that she almost quit due to financial constraints caused by Covid-19.
‘I wanted to quit my studies so that I could just stay home, but I then initiated a talk with the former manager of the orphanage center, who later encouraged me. He also continues to aid me with finances, so I can further my education. As we speak”
Sarah revealed.
Andrua who appeals for mobility assistance went on to encourage people with disability to never give up during hard pandemic season.
Constitution on disability
The World Health Organization in a 2013 report stated that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are approximately estimated to be 15% of the Population across South Sudan, with most disabilities acquired during the liberation period.
The right to education for all citizens of South Sudan, regardless of disability or gender, is enshrined in article 29 of the Transitional Constitution. However PWDs have not been able to realise this human right, according to South Sudanese civil society activists.
Despite the “Education for All” campaigns, access to education by PWDs is still limited in South Sudan and particularly children with disabilities are the most disadvantaged.
Misinformation Vs Disability
According to health experts, COVID-19 has created unprecedented challenges to safety and security worldwide but most adversely on persons with disabilities.
In Juba, these challenges have been registered on the basis of Covid-19 information dissemination to the communities carried out by numerous national and international organizations, UN agencies and health authorities.
Distributing accurate and timely messages and countering the spread of misinformation is critical in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic but this has not been the case with the visually impaired persons in South Sudan, according to Mr. Ambrose Lobijo.
The 46 year old Gudele resident who is a virtually impaired stressed that his environment has been and continues to be flooded with Covid-19 misinformation and fake news.
The father of three states that Covid-19 myths have even made him deny coronavirus vaccination, stressing that he was advised by his family members to never take the jab because it might worsen his already existing illness.
“For the last three years, I have been suffering from a disease that makes me fall down at least once or twice a month. My family thinks if I take the jab, it will affect my well-being further”
said Ambrose
But the World Health Organization (WHO) says people with underlying conditions such as cancer, asthma, and heart disease, among others can also be vaccinated.
However, Ambrose says his health complication has been examined severally but doctors failed to identify what exactly contributes to his unpredicted collapse occurrence that often happen.
“At first, I wanted to be vaccinated but my brother told me he heard on the radio that the vaccine is not for people who have mental problems. I consider myself mentally ill because sometimes fall on the road, in the markets or even in public taxi”
Ambrose added
When contacted for comment on the vaccine myths, Dr. John Romunu – Director for Preventive Health Services at the Ministry of Health disputes the claims, adding that the vaccine does not have any negative impact on the mental health of a person.
Dr. John, instead said only persons with internal heath disorders such as respiratory infections are advised to be examined before taking the jab.
“There has never been medical proof that people suffering from internal mental disabilities shouldn’t take the jabs. The instructions from WHO are clear, only persons with respiratory conditions may be the ones at risk if they get vaccinated. My message to people is that, any information out there regarding the vaccine without scientific defense is a lie and should be considered fake”
Said Romunu
Disability is a complex, diverse, and growing global concern. Doctors believe every person with a disability has unique features and requirements in their lives.
Article 25 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities reinforces the right of PwDs to achieve the highest possible standard of health and well-being without any form of discrimination based on disabilities.
The convention states that PwDs’ needs should not be ignored during an emergency lockdown – a provision which entitles them to safe and accessible formats for information on COVID-19, including the use of sign languages.
The convention also advocates for creation of an enabling environment for caregivers/peers/community members who can assist disabled persons by providing essential services.
It also calls for promotion of awareness and sensitization to health-care providers to provide equal opportunities, maintaining dignity and respect whenever a person with disability requires care in hospital.
End..
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Add-a-heading-1.png6501350211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2021-09-20 12:21:042022-10-14 12:41:04Covid-19 worsens the already distressed state of ‘Persons with Disability’ in South Sudan
This social media health report is based on data collected during working days from August 1st to August 31st, 2021. The major goal of the report is to examine the main and most talked about conversations on various social media platforms.
The report as well studies the overall dynamics of hate speech, dis/misinformation and incitement to violence contents shared by South Sudanese netizens and foreign nationals related to South Sudanese regardless of being situated within the country or abroad – a study also signifies South Sudan’s digital and social media landscape and growth.
This month’s monitoring comprises an overall assessment of top Facebook pages’ social media posts using CrowdTangle’s platform and other social media monitoring techniques. Report’s key topics are identified based on the level of participation and the amount of attention it receives on social media.
In the August reporting period, a total of 129 out of 198 pages published posts, totaling to 7,480 posts with an average of 2.07 posts per day.
In comparison with July’s report total number of interactions, August’s number of interactions went down -11.09 percent.
Findings: Key issues of the month
The killing of Catholic Nuns in the road ambush along the Juba Nimule Highway
An attack along South Sudan’s major road connecting the country to the East African Region left five people killed. The fateful ambush that occurred on 16th of August led to the killing of two Catholic reverend sisters.
Though three suspects linked to the attack were apprehended, the occurrence left various social media platforms talking. A Facebook issue by an online media house – Talk of Juba had over 1,400 reactions, 2,600 comments and 61 shares.
Several comments extended condolence messages and sympathies for the loss of lives that occured. However, some people were wondering if South Sudan shall ever have true peace. Most comments did not have hate speech or misinformation components.
Wrestling Spectators in Sherikat standing on motorbikes
Twic Media Report – an online/unregulated media house on Aug 18, 2021posted a picture captioned “Wrestling Spectators in Sharikat when they were watching Gongic being thrown down” drew audience attention with over 3,000 reactions, 73 comments and 19 shares. Gonic, mostly known as a PhD wrestling graduate, is a Jonglei State naitive.
The comments expressed surprise but also cautioned the spectators watching the match while standing on their motorbikes from falling.
“Good brothers and great, but problem is there when you fall down,” reads a comment from one online user, while another commenter said “U should have to mind about your life brothers. What if you fall down from there? Who will you blame?”.
South Sudanese-American middle-distance runner wins a gold medal, breaking a national record by Ajee Wilson set in 2017 in the Olympics games
On 11 August, Athing Mu – a 19 year old South Sudanese American middle distance runner broke a record at the Tokyo Olympics 2021. She won a gold medal in the 800 meters, breaking a national record set by Ajee Wilson in 2017.
The Facebook post by Radio Tamazuj floated with mob congratulatory messages got over 1,000 reactions – 155 comments and 42 shares making it the most viral post that day.
Shockingly, some people were wondering why the medal Athing won for America is being associated with South Sudan.
“Stop associating South Sudan to America’s success. That is a sad way of consoling us,” reads a comment. “I do not know why people of South Sudan are congratulating Athing Mu who is American,” reads another comment.
Presidential Security Affairs Minister condemns Kitgwang Declaration by a section of the SPLM/A – IO
In a 10th August Facebook Video by the Ministry of ICT and Postal Services, President Kiir Presidential Advisor Tut Gatluak in a press conference condemned a Kitgwang declaration by a breakaway group led by Simon Gatwech Dual and Johnson Olony in Magenis, Upper Nile State.
In the video that had 18,400 views, 776 reactions, 32 comments and 180 shares, Tut talked about the formation of a committee to investigate and address the root causes of the conflict within SPLA-IO.
COVID-19 vaccines acceptance through grassroots engagement
A rapid assessment by the UN children organization in South Sudan indicated that there was an information gap resulting from misinformation and disinformation linked to the coronavirus vaccine.
UNICEF said the Integrated Community Mobilization Network quickly helped to increase the daily vaccination coverage by the sixth day from 20 people to 200 per day in Warrap State.
In the comment session of the Facebook post, the public raised concerns about getting their second jab due to vaccine shortage and also questioned why the picture of the people who lined up for vaccination were not adhering to Covid-19 preventive measures.
“Social distancing was not maintained. Where are the Standard Operating Procedures? Asks a commentator. Another wondered why, “vaccination was good when social distancing was not there?”.
Demonstration on 30th August 2021
Another hot trending topic discussed on social media in the last weeks of August was the peaceful strike due to poor governance in South Sudan, organized by a pressure group; the People’s Coalition for Civil Action (PCCA).
It made people create memes such as the above picture shared by Juba Eye on Sunday, 29th August captioned, “this photo was taken tomorrow in Juba town”.
The post had over 3,000 reactions, 746 comments and 133 shares, though some people were concentrating on what they term as grammatical error, the meme was depicting the likelihood of protestors being hunted by organised forces should they stage a demonstration.
Conclusion
Using advanced social media monitoring methods, conversation, and content analysis, this report analyzed online hate speech, misinformation and fake news in South Sudan.
According to the month-long assessment report, contemporary social media behavior is becoming a severe worry. Hate speech can be found not just in postings, but also in comment sections.
Furthermore, the study discovered that what individuals are talking about and sharing on social media overlaps. People are exposed to a variety of realities, and as a result, they express varying viewpoints and instead of being honest and having a reasonable dialogue, social media users prefer to utilize slurs and incendiary phrases.
As a result, the report identified that overall social media involvement is widely healthy, with minimal nasty content and calls for violence being produced and disseminated.
The 211 Check team also observed that mainstream media was not involved in spread of conspiracies but employed conflict-sensitive reporting practices. However, this is the moment for all stakeholders to address key issues before they become a source of unanticipated events.
End….
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/heallllth-.png525743211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2021-09-06 08:50:302021-09-06 08:57:35AUGUST REPORT: Politics, Sports and Cultural dabates rocked S. Sudan’s social media landscape
A data report released by 211 Check articulates that at least 192 persons across the country died in August alone due to incidents related to gun-violence.
The report is based on death tales generated from reports issued by prominent media houses, such as Radio Tamazuj, Eye Radio, and Radio Miraya.
In comparison to July’s gun-violence report where 63 people were killed, the August killings represent a 67.19 percent rise.
The majority of the deaths from violence happened in Western Equatoria State, where 57 people died, mostly as a result of confrontations in Tambura County which made the State to lead the count.
Upper Nile State ranks second with 36 deaths – majority of which occurred during the Magenis conflict following the Kitgwang Declaration – an event where the main opposition group experienced a breakaway faction opposing South Sudan’s First Vice President Dr Riek Machar.
Warrap State occupied the third position with 31 cases mostly linked to cattle raids, while road ambushes and inter-communal clashes between some Mundari Community resulted into killing 18 people in Central Equatoria State.
Eastern Equatoria and Unity States recorded 13 and 18 cases respectively. On the other hand, a total of fifteen people people died in Jonglei, Lakes, and Northern Bahr-el-Ghazal States with each State recording 5 death cases each.
Lastly, four personnel perished in Western Bahr-el-Ghazal State. Surprisingly, there were no documented occasions of gun violence deaths in any of the three administrative areas of Abyei, Ruweng, or Greater Pibor.
NOTE: This data doesn’t fully bear the actual or complete number of killings across the country, it only bears data reported by the two prominent media houses [Radio Tamazuj, Eye Radio,and Radio Miraya]. There might be several other deaths recorded by various media houses or those not even reported.
Below is a bar chart bearing the statistics of deaths recorded.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/hhhh.png556970211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2021-09-04 14:31:082021-09-06 08:56:54192 people killed in South Sudan’s continuous gun violence – Data Report
211 Check investigative findings have revealed that a prominent Uganda news outlet ran a misleading story, claiming the Monday attack along South Sudan’s major highway left two Ugandan reverends sisters killed.
According to a story published by renowned Daily Monitor on Tuesday, August 17, which was also published by Ugandan Catholics Online, at least two Ugandan nuns were killed in the road ambush attack on Juba-Nimule on Monday this week.
Daily monitor identified the deceased sisters as Sr. Mary Aboud and a Sr Regina – identifications that are accurate as per our findings.
The media went on to claim that the two reverend sisters were Ugandan nationals – a report 211 Check identified as false.
Facts about the late nuns
Fact no1: According to continental Association for Catholic Information in Africa (ACIA), two Catholic nuns were among the five nationals killed in the Monday road. ACIA identified them as South Sudanese Catholic citizens, not Ugandan nationals as claimed by the Daily Monitor.
Fact no2: South Sudan’s Superior General of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Secretary General of the Juba Archdiocese confirmed the deaths of Sr. Mary Daniel Abut and Sr. Regina Roba. The two authorities did not identify the late nuns as Ugandans.
Fact no4: As per South Sudan’s National Police Spokesperson – Gen. Daniel Justine, two nuns killed during the attack are South Sudanese, not Ugandans.
“It is not true that the two sisters who were killed were Ugandans. They are South Sudanese, according to the Catholic Church. So any other story is false,” said police Daniel told 211 Check on Tuesday.
Conclusion: The four facts can easily state that the deceased nuns were South Sudanese nationals, not Ugandans as stated by Daily Monitor.
Fact matters, to know about our fact-checking process, check the link below, https://211check.org/how-to-fact-check/ or contact us via 211check.org to present a claim – our team will immediately fact-check it and send you an immediate feedback.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2.-Daily-Monitor-Uganda-Poster-1.png12401754211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2021-08-20 14:25:272021-08-20 14:33:24Uganda media runs a false story, claims the recent Juba-Nimule Highway attack left 2 foreign nuns killed
Does South Sudan have 40 million herds of cattle? No.
211 Check investigations have discovered that South Sudan doesn’t have forty billion herds of cattle as stated by the youth minister.
Speaking at an event to mark the International Youth Day at the Scenius Hub in Juba on Thursday, the Minister of Youth and Sports – Albino Bol claimed the country has forty million herds of cattle.
“We are only a population of 13 to 13 and half million people. Compare this to the number of animal resources, cows we have. We have forty million herds of cattle and these are the source of the problem instead of prosperity in South Sudan” said Bol at the occasion marked under the theme “Youth Innovation for a resilient South Sudan”.
But according to our findings, the above mentioned data is purely a false and misleading statement.
In May this year, government’s Spokesperson Michael Makuei Lueth told reporters after a council of ministers meeting that South Sudan has a total of 11.7 million cattle, 12.1 million sheep, 12.4 million goats and 5 million chickens.
Makuei said the statistics were provided by Onyoti Adigo, the Minister for animal resources and fisheries.
According to a Food and Agriculture Administration (FAO) report released on 28th August 2018, South Sudan’s livestock population is estimated at 12 million cattle, 20 million sheep and 25 million goats, making it a world leader in terms of animal wealth per capita as per the National Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Industry.
In July this 2021, South Sudan counted an estimated 12 million cattle, 12.1 million sheep and 12.4 million goats, making the country one of the world leaders in animal wealth per capita.
Conclusion:
Minister Albino Bol’s claim that South Sudan has forty million is false and misleading, because the nation has only eleven million and seven hundred thousand cattle, according to data released by the Ministry for animal resources and fisheries in May 2021.
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https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/BOOOOO.png512741211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2021-08-13 10:58:162021-08-13 12:10:39S. Sudan has 40m herds of cattle, Youth Minister makes a misleading statement
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During this reporting period, a total of 127 out 197 pages being monitored published nearly 15,000 posts at an average of 4.66 posts per day.
The interactions were way up by +48.28% compared to the previous month. Most of the interactions were around President Kiir’s interview with Kenya’s Citizen TV Journalist Jeff Koinange and South Sudan’s decade of independence in the early weeks of the month.
Mid-month conversations centred on sports news and music. In relation to sports, much of the conversations were focused on South Sudan’s Junior National Team which had its orientation at South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) General Headquarters. The Under-23 team had their final orientation, followed by a theoretical session as they competed in the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) Championship.
In relation to music, some Facebook users were talking about South Sudanese musicians John Frog and Coozos Clan’s Meenimen, who were flaunting US Dollars and Euros on their respective Facebook pages.
Later conversations towards the end of the month were around the death of Hardlife Avenue’s artist Mantani who passed on in Kampala, Uganda following a motorcycle accident. A few other conversations were around the appointment of Jemma Nunu Kumba as the first woman speaker of the Revitalised Transitional National Legislative Assembly.
The leading Facebook pages with many interactions during the month were: Silver X, Atongoya, K-Denk, Eye Radio, Achai Wiir, Hot in Juba, Penton Keah, Lady Kola Official, Smart Family TV and Slate Nation.
The Social media landscape was widely unhealthy with notable cases of hate speech as reflected below.
Key Issues Discussed
A video of President Kiir’s interview with Kenyan Journalist Jeff Koinange reshared by SSD TV got over 3,000 interactions, 240 comments and 1,000 shares. Mixed views were expressed in the comment section. While many commentators described their frustrations and dissatisfaction over how the President answered the questions.
South Sudanese journalists also went to social media to talk about how they have never had an opportunity to interact with the President in a formal interview. Although the post was mostly dominated by disgruntled South Sudanese, it was interesting to note that it was devoid of hate speech, misinformation and inciting comments.
The above post by Data Gordon which seems to have been sponsored also attracted over 750 interactions, 95 comments and nearly 10 shares. It was encouraging the culture of condom use as a family planning method. Most of the comments lauded the information sharing while others placed inquiries for more information. No instances of hate speech or inciting remarks in the comments were observed.
A video shared by the America Embassy in Juba Facebook Page got over 23,000 views, 880 interactions, 80 comments and 150 shares. The video showed the embassy’s staff sharing independence messages with South Sudan’s Anthem playing in the background. Many comments were those expressing gratitude for the support offered by America to the South Sudan government.
The last hot topic was when the video of Prophet Abraham Chol’s arrest surfaced online. The video, which showed police men picking him from his bedroom in the middle of the night and included an exchange of words between him and them, created a lot of debate on both Facebook and Twitter. Many say his privacy rights were violated. Other conversations mainly revolved around a statement Abraham uttered during the ordeal saying, “I am a Dinka, not Monydor”. Because of its tribalistic undertones, Abraham’s statement and the post itself generated some hate speech mainly between Equatorians and the Dinka on social media.
The above picture showing some Americans who participated in the Great Run in the early hours of South Sudan’s Independence day also got the attention of the page followers with over 3,000 interactions, 150 comments and 50 shares. Many commentators commended the American people for always standing in solidarity with South Sudan.
This post had several commentators wishing the young stars the best of luck in the competition.
The appointment of Jemma Nunu Kumba as the first woman speaker of South Sudan’s Legislative Assembly was among the widely discussed topics from 23rd July. While many powered congratulatory messages, some questioned the rationale behind the nomination. “Congratulations Hon. Jemma Nunu Kumba, keep up the good work and the process of the peace implementation’” reads a comment. The post had over 3,000 reactions, 164 comments and 8 shares.
On 21 July, John Frog posted a photo of him with a lot of United States Dollar notes in Kenya’s Nairobi. The following day, 22 July, Coozos clan’s Meenimen and Madit Acamcrap also pictured themselves allegedly on the same bed with the same money in a Juba hotel.
Many people on social media condemned the move saying they should not have shown off so much wealth because there are poor people in the country and it would affect their emotions.
Murye Alex alias Mantani, a late South Sudanese music producer, rapper and a member of the Hardlife Avenue Stars, died on Saturday, July 24, 2021, in Kampala, Uganda, after being involved in a motorcycle accident in Uganda’s Moyo District on July 22, 2021. He collided with another rider, who died instantly. Hundreds of mourners have been publishing and sharing comments about his music and updates about ongoing funeral arrangements.
However, in later stages of the conversation around the musician Mantani’s death, South Sudanese took to social media to voice their displeasure with Ugandan singers for failing to show solidarity with South Sudan’s music community. The discussions were very heated with many South Sudanese taking to the comments section of Ugandan artists who extended belated condolence writing comments that constitute hate and xenophobia. Some Ugandans reciprocated.
Conclusion
Online conversations continue to be partly healthy in South Sudan’s online space. Additionally, threats against specific groups have not been common or widely shared. The use of screenshots, images or videos from unknown or unconfirmed sources has also substantially declined. As observed in the report, factual reporting has largely contributed to the low level of disinformation and misinformation.
The varying realities being shared on social media continue to expose digital natives to different opinions. The report concludes that the social media engagement during the reporting period was to an extent unhealthy and filled with hateful and inciting content, especially from those who blamed Ugandan and other foreign musicians for not extending early condolence messages in the wake of Mantani’s death.
End
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