The Summarized Information Category outputs the figures in a summarized form, without letting people to read through long documents released by the Ministry of Health.

Fact-check: Photo of a driver on a muddy road not from South Sudan

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The picture of a driver posing for a picture on a muddy road is not originally from  South Sudan; the image has been doing the rounds online since at least September 2019.

Writer: Beatrice Amude Paulino

Dalwuot Media, a Facebook page with 41,000 followers claiming to be a media and news company in South Sudan, posted an image on 8 May 2023 with a caption stating that it was a rare picture of a driver enjoying driving on a muddy road in South Sudan. However, this claim is false.

The post could not provide contextual information regarding when or where the photo was originally taken in South Sudan. This lack of information further supports the notion that the picture is not a genuine depiction of the country’s muddy roads.

“A rare picture of a driver poses while enjoying driving in muddy South Sudan road,” the post that has since attracted over 220 reactions, 25 comments and three shares reads.

Screenshot of the post as shared by Dalmout Media

A reverse image search of the picture revealed that it had been used previously on various other platforms, such as blogs, Facebook posts, and tweets by publishers in Nigeria, Kenya, and Zambia. Most of these uses were satirical and unrelated to South Sudan, indicating that the picture is not unique to South Sudan.

It was first posted with the Kiswahili caption, ““Maneno ikiisha ukwame katikati ya 70 page #Thesis alafu utoke nje ujiulize mbona uliingia writing,” on September 30, 2019, by Genius Research and Consultant. This page describes itself as a full services business leading in research and training in Kakamega, Kenya.

“When you run out of words, you get stuck in the middle of a 70-page #Thesis, and then you go out and ask yourself why you started writing,” Google translation of the caption.  

The same picture was also used by Facebook Zambia Blog, a Facebook page on November 24, 2019.

This is not the first time Dalwuot Media has shared false information on its platform. In April 2023, the page claimed that Al Fateh tower had been destroyed in the ongoing fighting in Sudan, but this claim was also proven to be false after a fact-check investigation.

Conclusion:

The claim made by Dalwuot Media about the picture of a driver posing for a photo on a muddy road in South Sudan is false. The image is not originally from South Sudan but was randomly collected from the internet to fabricate a story that has not occurred 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 is crucial to fight against misinformation and disinformation in mainstream and alternative media by avoiding becoming a victim of fake news. To prevent the spread of false information, you must refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or unaware of its origin. Disinformation and misinformation can be incredibly dangerous because they can mislead people and cause harm. For instance, false information on health matters can lead to wrong decisions that can put people’s lives at risk. Therefore, it’s vital to fact-check information before sharing it to promote accurate and reliable information. Visit https://211check.org/ for more information on our fact-checking process, or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 if you want to present a claim. Our team will promptly respond to your request because we believe #FactsMatter.

Fact-check: Is UNICEF currently offering employment opportunities?

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No, UNICEF has not advertised any jobs as claimed in this advert link; it is just a social media scam that people should avoid.

Writer: Jibi Moses 

A job advert claiming to be from UNICEF recently went viral on social media, mainly WhatsApp groups, but it is false.

The advert’s welcoming note on the site’s homepage reads, “Welcome to UNICEF Application Form Portal. Click on the below to start your registration. All nationalities are eligible to apply.”

A screenshot of the false advert on WhatsApp

Investigation:

211 Check analysed the site’s address using VirusTotal, a tool used to analyse suspicious files, domains, IPs and URLs to detect malware and other breaches and automatically share them with the security community. The results show that it is phishing malware. 

A screenshot of the Virustotal analysis results. 

Secondly, UNICEF South Sudan published a disclaimer on its Facebook page, alerting the public that they have not advertised for jobs. Therefore, the public should ignore the message in circulation and consistently get open jobs from their website.

“This message going around via WhatsApp and other online platforms suggests applications to UNICEF. This is a fake job advert or calls for application. All UNICEF vacancies are announced on this official website 👉🏾 http://jobs.unicef.org. Only use this website address to view our latest vacancies and to apply for them,” UNICEF South Sudan said in a Facebook post.

“𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗙 𝗗𝗢𝗘𝗦 𝗡𝗢𝗧 receive applications (including cover letters and CVs) through WhatsApp or email. Do not open the link in the screenshot; 𝗜𝗧 𝗜𝗦 𝗙𝗔𝗞𝗘!” It added.

The UNICEFdisclaimer as it is on their Facebook page

Lastly, when the link is opened on a protected computer with an updated antivirus, it is automatically blocked.

Screenshot showing the site being blocked by NordVPN

Conclusion:

211 Check finds that claim that UNICEF is offering jobs through a site other than its original website is false. According to the above results, this job advert is a phishing scam and not genuine. Phishing is a form of social engineering where attackers deceive people into revealing sensitive information or installing malware. 

We should always be aware by updating our gadgets with powerful anti-viruses and avoiding opening suspicious links. The public should use basic cyber skills to identify such scams quickly. 

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 job advert is not from the National Population Census

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No, it’s a scam. The National Population Census is not currently hiring.

Writer: Jibi Moses

An advert running mainly in WhatsApp groups, claiming to be from the National Population Census is false.

The advert is too open with minimal information about its origin and where the jobs are located precisely. Clicking the link quickly leads to a better-looking but sketchy interface, with two individuals and the Nigerian National Population Commission logo. Meaning the advert originated or was intended for Nigerians.

The advert strongly advises people to apply as soon as possible and emphasises that they seek qualified and willing people. The form asks for your personal information, including Name, phone number, email and physical address. 

After all this, it will ask you to validate your names. Then it asks you to share with either five WhatsApp groups or 15 individuals as a condition to get to the last stage and, therefore, will get a confirmation email. 

“The reason for NPC Online recruitment is to employ qualified staff who will aid in the successful conduct of the 2023 trial census. They need people who are willing and capable of performing several tasks as required by the National Population Commission. Apply now by filling the below form. Kindly apply below to be selected,” partly reads the advert 

Screenshot of the WhatsApp message

Investigation:

211 Check looked at the Nigerian National Population Census website, the site had no job advertisement, and all its activities were clearly explained.

On running Whois Domain IP on both sites we realised that the two are very different entities as the one for the National Population Census uses its original name, for the job advert uses getoffers-now.online.

Screenshot details of the NPC website 

A screenshot from the advert link website

Due to its virality and believability, the advert has been making rounds in many other countries in East and Central Africa. So, in this case, the government of Uganda came out with a disclaimer for the public to know it’s a fake.

Given the findings above, 211 Check found that the job advert from NPC is a scam intended to siphon people’s details. A process called phishing. Scammers use this skill because it seems attractive and less suspicious. After all, one will be interested in a job which isn’t available in the first place. However, these scams can usually be detected, and one must be vigilant because some jobs are too good to be true.

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: Did NRA South Sudan publish a recruitment advert?

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Yes, it’s true. Recently, the NRA advertised for multiple jobs, and they were all over the internet. 

Writer: Rogers Louis

A copy of a job advertisement from the National Revenue Authority (NRA) surfaced on the internet (Facebook and  WhatsApp groups) between 27th and 28th March 2023, announcing that the NRA calls for applications for several vacancies. The posts were first run on the NRA Facebook page with a  caption.

 NRA is hiring!

Visit the link below for more details.

All the best!

A screenshot of one of the jobs advertised by the NRA.

Investigation

When 211 check.org investigated the NRA South Sudan official website, it found out that the link provided on the https://nra.gov.ss/ website has the job advert.

Immediately the job advert was released to the public, it raised a lot of suspicions and concerns from the crowd because the number of jobs was so many and in a way or so people were doubting. 

Secondly and most importantly, recently early this year, the internet was awash with similar job advertisements from NRA, which turned out to be fake. 211 Check Fact-checked early this year, and it saved a lot of people since then, many have been suspicious of such job alerts.

Here is the official NRA SS website https://nra.gov.ss/ you can visit and confirm the information, and there is a part for Careers whereby Vacancies are found or otherwise if they contract a third party to conduct the information and announce it.

By double-checking everything, investigate all the adverts and news surfacing online on  Facebook, WhatsApp, and other websites. It must appear on at least many other websites, not only one, but claims which are scams can also lead to catastrophic results for example, when you press it, you will be directed to a different website and during the direction, your connection to a fake webpage your credentials are copied and sent to the hacker by the (Virus/Warm etc.), and it is hazardous because some sensitive personal information is stolen and shared or sold to the highest bidder and as a result may be some bank accounts will have some amount withdrawn or email or Facebook account will be hijacked, and you will be requested to pay a ransom (Ransomware).

Conclusion:

The above analysis found that NRA South Sudan advertised the jobs, and on many occasions, they came out to encourage the public to apply. 

It is always good to be vigilant and cautious while online. The internet is full of both safe and dangerous information. Having basic fact-checking and verification skills is necessary and paramount for everyone.

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: Did this woman run mad somewhere in South Sudan?

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Pictures of a bride who ran mad on her traditional marriage didn’t happen in South Sudan, and they are believed to have occurred somewhere in Uganda.

Writer: Jibi Moses

Suncity TV, a Facebook page, recently ran a story with pictures of a bride who allegedly ran mad in South Sudan.

“Bride goes mad during her traditional marriage somewhere in South Sudan. Eyewitness gali she snatched someone’s husband,” partly reads the caption. 

A screenshot of the post by Suncity TV

Investigation:

A Google reverse image search by 211 Check returns the same picture used on the internet by many other sources with different stories behind it. Edujan  don.com, A Nigerian online blog, ran a story with these pictures claiming the incident happened in Masaka, a district in central Uganda, on the 7th of March, 2023. 

The face of Malawi, a Malawian online news site, ran a similar one on the 9th of March 2023, claiming the incident happened in Tanzania. Finally, Tica Saviour, based in Nigeria, also claimed the act occurred in Nigeria. Raphael Abusari made a TikTok video, although it had no excruciating details. 

A screenshot from Raphael’s TikTok video

Conclusion:

211 Check finds the claim false. Given the above evidence, although the picture’s origin isn’t clearly defined, there’s enough evidence that it didn’t happen anywhere in South Sudan. 

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: Phishing link for the University of Chicago Scholarships

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Writer: Ochaya Jackson

A WhatsApp message with a link widely forwarded to individuals and groups about the University of Chicago’s fully funded scholarship offers for 2022 to study in the United States of America is false. 

The WhatsApp message has a phishing link that redirects to a one-page site with what looks like a basic “Scholarship Application Form”. 

Phishing is sending fake or fraudulent communications that appear to come from a reputable source to steal sensitive data like credit card and login information or install malware on the victim’s machine, according to Cisco technology company. 

“The American Scholarship is a yearly program which is aimed at Undergraduates, Masters and PhD Students who wants (sic) to study in the United States,” the WhatsApp message partly reads. 

Screenshot of the false WhatsApp message about the University of Chicago scholarship

The scholarship targets the age group of 14 to 50 years, and it covers full tuition fee, medical allowance, Covid-19, instant visa approval, permission to work and study, and hostel accommodation, according to the widely shared claim. 

Screenshot showing the header of the alleged University of Chicago’s scholarship site 

Phishing trick 

211 Check looks at the claim, and it appears to be a phishing tactic deployed by unknown malicious actors to get passwords, phone numbers, names, locations, and email addresses from people using a one-page form on the phishing website. 

After filling in the personal information, it directs to three objective questions where it asks what one’s employment status is, their marital status, their age range. Then after answering, a pop-up message appears informing the applicants of approval with string conditions first to invite fifteen friends or five groups on WhatsApp. 

“After checking your applications, You have been approved to study at the University of Chicago IN{UNITED STATES} for free–Your UNITED STATES SCHOLARSHIP VISA FORM will be available immediately after you click the “Invite Friends/Group” button below to share this information with 15 friends or five groups on WhatsApp so That They Can Also Aware of the SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMM,” it reads. 

“Note: If you do not complete this step correctly, The VISA FORM page will not load,” the pop-up message warns. 

The screenshot of the pop-up message after filling out the form 

What is there to know about the University of Chicago and its scholarship?

The University of Chicago was founded in 1890 as an urban research university and is a prestigious, recognised global university. It is the third-ranking best University college in the United States, after Michigan Institute of Technology and Stanford. 

211 Check established that fully funded University of Chicago scholarships exist for 2022-2023 for online applications. There are different categories of scholarships, including undergraduate scholarships, international financial aid, merit scholarships, graduate scholarships, fellowships, and research assistantships and teachings. 

The eligibility criteria for the scholarships range from 4.48-grade point average (GPA) or its equivalent in the grading system of the applicants’ country, minimum education of 14 years for the undergraduate, a 4-year bachelor’s degree for the master’s program, and a bachelor’s and master’s degree for a doctoral program among others. 

The admission procedure starts by selecting a course at the University of Chicago admission office, creating an online profile for admission applications, filling out the form with relevant information, attaching the required documents, and submitting the form. 

The benefits of the scholarship involve partial, discounted, or full waiver from tuition fee expenses, a voucher for food and book buying, monthly stipend allowance, residence expense funding or facility, travel grant funding or facility, and library access on campus. 

Comparative analysis:

There are mismatches between the circulated WhatsApp message and the scholarship information from the University of Chicago’s website.

The claim’s admission procedure is not solid, the message texts are full of grammatical errors, the webpage picture is doctored, and the condition of sharing the claim with more friends or groups on WhatsApp clearly shows it is not credible. 

211 Check also found out that the moment the link is clicked as it directs to the webpage, in the background, it downloads and installs malware into the devices or computers of the users. 

The whois information:

According to Whois, which can be used to investigate the registration information for a domain, the phishing link‘s domain was registered on August 30th, 2022.

A screenshot shows the registration of the phishing link’s domain

However, the Whois information for the University of Chicago’s domain indicates that the domain record was activated in 1991, last updated in July 2022, and expires in July 2024.

The screenshot of the whois’ information on University of Chicago website

In conclusion,

The viral message about the University of Chicago scholarship being widely shared on WhatsApp is false.

The University of Chicago’s website and scholarship programs are here.

This fact check was published by 211 Check with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and the African Fact-Checking Alliance.

Explainer: What is the difference between a Nationality Certificate and a National ID in South Sudan?

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Writer: Emmanuel Bida Thomas

  Courtesy photo of a National ID     
                           Courtesy photo of a Nationality Certificate

South Sudanese have recently sought clarification on the distinction between the Nationality Certificate and the National ID, both of which are issued by the Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passports, and Immigration.

211 Check attempts to explain the differences between the two documents in the categories of definition, guiding laws, issuing authority, and validity in this short article.

Definitions: 

A “Nationality Certificate” is the document granted to a South Sudanese National who is eligible for national status in accordance with the provisions of Chapter III of the Nationality Act, 2011.

A “National ID” is a document issued to every South Sudanese of at least eighteen years of age for purposes of employment or as required by a “competent authority.”

Guiding laws:

The “Nationality Certificate” is issued in accordance with the provisions of the South Sudan Nationality Act, 2011.

“National ID” is issued in accordance with the provisions of the South Sudan Civil Registry Act, 2018.

Issuing authority:

The “Nationality Certificate” is processed at the Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Immigration and issued/signed by the Minister of Interior.

“National ID” is processed at the Directorate of Civil Registry and issued/signed by the Director of Nationality and Passports.

Validity:

The “Nationality Certificate” has a lifetime validity and it does not expire.

“National ID” has a five-year validity and expires just like a passport.

References:

To read more about the Nationality Certificate and National ID, kindly refer to:

The South Sudan Nationality Act, 2011

The South Sudan Civil Registry Act, 2018

Image blunder: Eye Radio uses wrong picture and caption to tell a story

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A misleading image

On 14th of March 2021, Eye Radio published a communal violence story where a cattle related attack reportedly left two people killed in Lake State. 

However, the story featured an image with a caption that stated the picture was taken in Yirol County of Lakes State, by the UN Food and Agriculture organization.

It was captioned, “Cattle in Yirol, Lakes State/Credit/FAO”.

Eye Radio’s caption and post

But when fact checked by the 211 team, it was identified that the image was taken at Niamana Livestock market, situated in Mali’s Capital, Bamako.  

The research indicated that the picture was taken by Stevie Mann, a commercial photographer who might have supplied the International Livestock Research Institute – an international agricultural research institute based in Nairobi, Kenya.

The image was taken with a Canon EOS-ID Mark II camera. The original picture is seen below.

Origin image

Due to critics on Facebook, Eye Radio changed the picture both on its website and Facebook page – a great ethical and professional move.

Note: To know about our fact-checking processes, click on 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.

July 12th Cumulative Statistics

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