Fact-check: Did FVP Riek Machar endorse President Salva Kiir for Presidency?

A post shared severally on the internet claiming the FVP, Riek Machar, endorsed President Salva Kiir for the next election is false. He was unveiling the President’s new portrait to be used in offices at the event.

Writer: Jibi Moses

A post made rounds on social media, with a picture of the First Vice President, Dr Riek Machar, holding a portrait of Salva Kiir Mayardit, South Sudan’s current president. 

This viral post claims that the First Vice President, also chair of the SPLM-IO, Riek Machar, endorsed Salva Kiir Mayardit as the next president. Junub Sudan Press is one of the pages that shared the picture captioned, “Breaking News!!! FVP Dr. Riek Machar endorses President Kiir as the next President of the Republic of South Sudan after the expiration of the peace agreement or roadmap in 2025.”

“My party SPLM-IO and I will rejoin SPLM and rally behind our only Chairman and President 

H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit ~ FVP Dr. Riek,” the post falsely attributed a quote to Riek Machar Teny.

However, the claim is false. In less than 24 hours, the post received over 100 reactions, 50 comments, and 47 shares.

On carrying out Google Search on the picture, many online news outlines used the picture. Among them are Eye Radio, South Sudan Uncensored, The Naath International Radio’s America, and Jonglei TV. These pages explain in detail that the picture was taken on March 15, 2023, at the Freedom Hall during the launch of a new portrait of the president to be used in offices.

There have been two portraits in use, including one of the late Dr John Garang and the President. However, the president’s has been changed. 

Gordon Yien Gordon, who is the spokesperson in the office of the FVP, dismissed the claims in a post on his Facebook timeline.

“The First Vice President cannot endorse President Kiir simply because the two leaders are from different political parties (SPLM-IG), (SPLM-IO). We would like to tell the people of South Sudan that the event was about the standard portrait of President Kiir. This means replacing the old one with a new photo of him. The photo is supposed to be hung in offices at national, state and local levels,” reads part of his disclaimer.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds the claim that First Vice President Riek Machar Teny endorsed President Salva Kiir for candidacy in the next elections during the launch of a new portrait to be false. The two leaders are from different political parties

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