Tag Archive for: #FactCheck

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

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Writer: Makur Majeng

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

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

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

Why are visas important?

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

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

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

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

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

Context:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why does this matter?

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

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

What violations can lead to visa revocation?

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

What is the solution? 

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

Conclusion: 

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

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

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing.  For more details, visit https://211check.org/, or message us on WhatsApp at +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter.

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

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Writer: Makur Majeng

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

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

What is a tariff?

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

Why is the U.S. imposing new tariffs?

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

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

How does this impact South Sudan?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which other East African countries are affected?

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

Is there a remedy for the tariff?

Countries impacted by tariffs have several options:

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

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

Looking ahead

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

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing.  For more details, visit https://211check.org/, or message us on WhatsApp at +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter.

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

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The photo has been online since March 2024, and it originated in Kenya, with media reports indicating it is of a Kenyan teacher who committed suicide after he lost 900,000 Kenyan shillings in gambling. No SSPDF general committed suicide in Rumbek.

Writer: Makur Majeng

A photo shared in a post by Phow Radio FM, a Facebook page, claiming the South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) general has committed suicide in Rumbek is false.

“This morning, full confirmed report, an SSPDF senior officer, Gen. Bol Mawien Agany, has reportedly taken his life by hanging outside Rumbek town. His family narrates to Phow Radio FM that, “It was yesterday at 9PM once our father got a call from the top leadership in Juba, assuring him to immediately report himself to Bilpam to lead the new forces to hotspot Nasir under the control of White Army. “This morning, we thought our father went to town, but unfortunately found hanging on the nearby tree,” reads the false claim.

The screenshot of the Facebook post

Rumbek is the state capital of Lakes State in South Sudan.

Claim Verification

Upon investigation, it was found that the claim made by Phow Radio FM is false. Our research indicates that the photo shared by the page was not captured in South Sudan. Instead, it was used in multiple Kenyan media reports about an unrelated suicide case.

A simple Google reverse image search revealed that the same image was posted by multiple Kenyan news outlets, including:

Mt Elgon Online TV Kenya: “Shock as JS teacher in Keiyo North commits suicide after losing Ksh 900,000 to aviator betting moments after taking a bank loan.”

Bomet Newspaper: “Shock as JS teacher in Keiyo North commits suicide after losing Ksh 900,000 to aviator betting moments after taking a bank loan.”

This confirms that the photo is unrelated to any event in South Sudan and was misused to spread false information.

Additionally, there is no public official statement made by the South Sudan People’s Defence (SSPDF) concerning the alleged suicide committed by the SSPDF general. 

On the other hand, local sources in Rumbek have also confirmed that no such incident happened.

“We have tried to consult, but there is no such news around Rumbek here today,” said the Good News Radio station director, Raphael Makuei, after he was contacted by 211 Check.

Conclusion

211 Check has found the claim in a post by Phow Radio FM, claiming the SSPDF general hanged himself with a rope on a tree as suicide in Rumbek to be false. The photo shared was taken in Kenya and has been widely circulated in Kenyan media. There is no credible evidence to support the claim made by Phow Radio FM.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing.  For more details, visit https://211check.org/, or message us on WhatsApp at +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter.

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

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No, US President Donald Trump didn’t make this speech, and it was AI-generated content.

Writer: Makur Majeng

A Social media audio claim that US President Donald Trump has threatened to issue arrest warrants for South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, business tycoon Benjamin Bol Mel, and SPLM Secretary-General Peter Lam Both is fake. 

The claim also added that Trump has vowed to freeze the assets of Benjamin Bol Mel and impose further sanctions on the South Sudanese government within 24 hours if the ban on social media remains. 

“I have been informed that the corrupt and brutal government of South Sudan has banned the citizens from accessing the internet. If these restrictions are not lifted within twenty-four hours, I will issue an arrest warrant for Dictator Salva Kiir, Benjamin Bol Mel, and SPLM General Secretary Peter Lam Both. Additionally, the United States will freeze all assets illegally acquired by Benjamin Bol Mel and impose further sanctions on the government of South Sudan,” reads the audio transcript of the claim.

This claim statement was widely shared on social media platforms, with one Facebook post by “Gambella Issue News” generating over 21,000 views, 300+ likes, 45 comments, and 165 shares. But despite its virality, the claim lacks credibility.

The screenshot of the Facebook post claim bearing President Trump’s image (up) and President Salva Kiir’s image (below).

Claim Verification:

A Google keyword search using “DONALD TRUMP SPEECH ABOUT SOUTH SUDAN INTERNET BAN” yielded no results from credible sources. No reliable news outlets have reported any such speech by Donald Trump targeting South Sudanese leaders.

A comprehensive review of Donald Trump’s speeches, interviews, and official accounts on platforms such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) revealed no record of him making this statement.

If Trump had made such a controversial statement, it would have been widely covered by reputable international and South Sudanese media outlets, including CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera, and Eye Radio. However, no such coverage exists, further debunking the claim.

The style and content of the audio suggest it was AI-generated. Advances in AI tools have made it easier to create deepfakes and fabricated audio recordings, often used to spread misinformation and disinformation.

Conclusion

211 Check established the claim that Donald Trump threatened to issue arrest warrants for South Sudanese elites and impose sanctions within 24 hours is false. The claim in the speech was fabricated using artificial intelligence technology, and Trump has not made any statement concerning the social media restrictions in South Sudan.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing.  For more details, visit https://211check.org/, or message us on WhatsApp at +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter.

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

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There was no protest today, and the video does not depict a protest against the social media ban but rather a 2021 demonstration for justice after musician Trisha Cee was knocked down in a water tanker accident.

Writer: Makur Majeng

A viral video making rounds on social media claims to show South Sudanese youths protesting in Juba against President Salva Kiir’s rule. The protesters are allegedly demanding that the president face prosecution by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity. However, this claim is false, and the video has been altered to mislead viewers.

“The social media blockade has sparked street protests in some parts of South Sudan, with youth calling for President Kiir to step down and face the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity. The country’s National Communication Authority, acting on orders from the ruling party, SPLM, has banned access to Facebook and TikTok across the country since last night. (File Footage)” reads Facebook Post. 

The screenshot of Garang John’s post.

Claim Verification: 

The video is not recent, and a Google reverse search reveals that the footage originally appeared on March 30th, 2021, during a protest unrelated to politics or the ICC.

The 2021 demonstration occurred after the tragic death of South Sudanese musician Trisha Cee, who was knocked off a boda-boda in a road accident involving a water tanker driven by an Eritrean. The protesters gathered at the Mobil Roundabout in Juba to demand improved healthcare services, stricter road safety regulations, and justice for Trisha Cee.

After a fatal road accident involving a water tanker, protesters called for better healthcare infrastructure and stricter licensing rules for foreign drivers, particularly Eritreans, as posted by Eye Radio.

Activists like Wani Michael, Manasseh Mathiang, and James Kolok were among those arrested during the protest. Demonstrators carried signs demanding justice for Trisha Cee, better road safety measures, and healthcare reforms.

Context:

The viral video has been manipulated with altered captions, and audio voices chanting “Kiir Must Go” in the background were taken from an old video protest about food and hunger by the students of the University of Bahr el Gazal in May 2024.

Social media users recirculated the video with misleading captions to stir political tension, but the fact remains clear the protests were about road safety and healthcare, not opposition to President Kiir.

Conclusion:

211 Check established that the viral video claiming that South Sudanese youth protested against President Kiir is false and misleading. The footage was extracted from a 2021 video that relates to demands for road safety and healthcare reforms following the death of musician Trisha Cee.

There was no protest today at the mobile roundabout regarding any issue against the president or the government.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing.  For more details, visit https://211check.org/, or message us on WhatsApp at +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter.

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Fact-check: Did Donald Trump say everyone in South Sudan is a thief, including civilians?

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Global figures like Donald Trump are often subject to fabricated or misattributed quotes online. This is likely one of those cases, with no factual backing.

Writer: Makur Majeng

A recent Facebook post by South Sudanese musician John Frog claims that U.S. President Donald Trump once said, “Everyone is a thief in South Sudan, including civilians.” is false.

The post, which includes the hashtag #GG and a laughing emoji, has sparked curiosity and mixed reactions online. John Frog’s post gained rapid engagement, garnering 160 likes, 60 comments, and one share within five minutes.

“President Donald Trump said everyone is a thief in South Sudan including civilians, what does he mean ?#GG,” reads John Frog’s post.

The screenshot of John Frog’s Facebook post.

Claim Verification:

A Google keyword search using the “Donald Trump everyone is a thief in South Sudan statement” shows no related information.

211 Check conducted a comprehensive review of Donald Trump’s speeches, interviews, and social media accounts like Facebook, and X(formerly Twitter) and revealed no record of him making such a statement about South Sudan. Searches across credible news organizations like CNN and BBC and public records yielded no results.

If Trump had made such a controversial remark, it would have been widely covered by both South Sudanese and international media. However, no credible outlet has reported this claim.

The playful tone of the post, paired with the hashtag #GG and the laughing emoji, suggests it may be satirical or humorous rather than factual. Such exaggerations are common on social media to spark engagement or provoke discussion.

Global figures like Donald Trump are often subject to fabricated or misattributed quotes online. This is likely one of those cases, with no factual backing.

Conclusion:

211 Check has verified that the claim about Donald Trump stating that “Everyone in South Sudan is a thief, including civilians” is false. There is no evidence to support this statement, and it is likely a humorous or satirical comment rather than a factual assertion.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing.  For more details, visit https://211check.org/, or message us on WhatsApp at +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter.

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Fact-check: No, President Museveni is not offering a UGX100,000 Christmas grant to Ugandans

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This process mirrors classic online scam tactics, aiming to collect personal information, share the link widely, and compromise users’ security.

Writer: Makur Majeng

A WhatsApp message claiming that Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni is offering a UGX100,000 Christmas grant to Ugandans is a hoax. The message is part of an online scam designed to defraud online users.

“PRESIDENT YOWERI MUSEVENI UGX100,000 CHRISTMAS CASH GRANT FOR UGANDANS HOW TO GET IT,” reads the fraudulent message.

The screenshot of the WhatsApp message

Claim Verification:

A Google keyword search using terms like “Yoweri Museveni UGX 100,000 Christmas grant” and “Ugandan President Christmas cash grant” reveals no official announcements, government press releases, or credible news articles validating this claim.

Ugandan government programs and financial assistance initiatives are typically announced through formal channels, such as state media, verified social media accounts, or press briefings by government officials. There are no such announcements regarding this purported grant.

A Whois domain lookup of the link provided shows that the domain was registered recently on 17th December 2023 and will expire on 17th December 2025 and is unaffiliated with the Ugandan government or any official entity. This is a red flag commonly associated with phishing websites and scams.

Upon clicking the link, users are prompted to answer questions like their gender and age group. Share the link with five WhatsApp groups or 15 friends to proceed. Provide personal and bank account details to claim their “prize.”

Screenshot of the fake SMS

This process mirrors classic online scam tactics, aiming to collect personal information, share the link widely, and compromise users’ security.

The screenshot of the webpage

A VirusTotal scan of the provided URL indicates potential security risks, including redirection to phishing sites or malicious software downloads. Users risk exposing their devices to malware or having sensitive personal data stolen.

Legitimate grant programs do not ask applicants to share promotional links on social media to proceed or redirect users to suspicious websites requiring sensitive information; instead, they operate through official channels and established application processes.

PesaCheck has previously verified similar claims and found them to be fake, as seen here, here, and here.

Conclusion:

211 Check has verified that the claim about President Yoweri Museveni offering a UGX100,000 Christmas grant to Ugandans is a hoax. This scam is designed to steal personal data and potentially install malicious software on victims’ devices.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing.  For more details, visit https://211check.org/, or message us on WhatsApp at +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter.

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Fact-check: Donald Trump is not offering a $200 grant to Africans

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Authentic grant applications or financial assistance programs do not demand users to share promotional links on social media to proceed.

Writer: Makur Majeng

A viral message circulating on WhatsApp groups claiming that U.S. President-elect, Donald Trump is offering a $200 cash grant to Africans, is false. This claim is part of an online scam to deceive users and potentially compromise their personal information.

“Donald Trump donates $200 Grant each to everyone in all African countries as he becomes the president of America for the second time,” reads the fraudulent message 

Screenshot of the WhatsApp message

Upon clicking the provided link, users are shown a pop-up message with instructions to withdraw the grant cash.

“SMS: Congratulations You are qualify for President Trump $200 CASH GRANT FOR AFRICANS. Kindly Press OK to Withdraw Cash Prize”.

Screenshot of the pop-up message

Users are then prompted to answer questions such as, Is Donald Trump a good president? Choose your gender. Select your age group.

Screenshots of the questions

After answering the questions, users are instructed to share the link with five WhatsApp groups or 15 friends before proceeding to the final submission page.

Screenshots of the web page interface

Claim Verification:

A Google keyword search using terms like “Donald Trump $200 grant for Africans” reveals no credible results or related news articles. No announcements or information from reputable sources validate this claim.

Legitimate grant offers or financial aid programs associated with public figures or governments are typically announced via formal channels such as official press releases, established news outlets, or verified social media accounts.

A Whois domain lookup for the link provided indicates that it was registered recently, on February 25, 2024, and is set to expire on February 25, 2025. The domain is not affiliated with Donald Trump or any credible organization associated with him.

Screenshot of the Whois domain analysis

Trump who won the U.S. presidential election recently, has no announcement on all his official social media platforms regarding a $200 grant for each African. 

Analysis:

A VirusTotal scan of the URL confirms that the website poses potential security risks, including redirecting users to phishing pages. These sites may prompt users to download malicious software, complete fake surveys, or enter personal information that can be exploited for identity theft.

The requirement for applicants to share the link with multiple WhatsApp contacts or groups is a classic scam technique. This tactic spreads the fraudulent link quickly and widely, creating a false sense of legitimacy yet it is not.

Authentic grant applications or financial assistance programs do not demand users to share promotional links on social media to proceed.

Conclusion:

211 Check has verified that the claim about Donald Trump offering a $200 grant to everyone in all African countries is a hoax. This is part of a scam campaign aimed at collecting personal information, defrauding victims,  and possibly installing malicious software on users’ devices.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing.  For more details, visit https://211check.org/, or message us on WhatsApp at +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter.

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

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

Writer: Makur Majeng

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cyber Threats and Scams

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Common Cyber Scams 

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

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

So why are cyber scams still rampant in South Sudan?

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

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

The Role of Misinformation and Disinformation

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

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

Conclusion:

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

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

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

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing.  For more details, visit https://211check.org/, or message us on WhatsApp at +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter.

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Fact-check: The South Sudan Youth Empowerment Fund 2024 is a hoax

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Legitimate government financial assistance initiatives are typically announced through formal channels such as press releases, national news outlets, or public statements from officials. The Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Sports did not put up such a grant.

Writer: Makur Majeng

A WhatsApp message circulating online claiming that the Government of South Sudan has approved the Youth Empowerment Fund 2024 is a scam.

The message asserts that the government, through the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Sports, has approved a grant of 50,000 SSP to be paid to unemployed youths and individuals affected by the crisis in South Sudan and that payments have already begun. 

The claim provides a link for individuals to apply and requests personal details like name, mobile number, email, date of birth, and gender.

“The Government of South Sudan has approved an empowerment grant fund of 50,000 SSP to be paid to unemployed youths of South Sudan and to compensate citizens affected by the crisis in South Sudan. Payment has already begun. Apply now to be one of the beneficiaries.

Click the link below to apply now.” reads the message being forwarded in the WhatsApp groups.

The screenshot of the WhatsApp message

The screenshot of the web interface

After submitting basic personal information, applicants are asked to share the application portal with WhatsApp groups or contacts before being redirected to the final submission page to select a payment method.

The screenshot of the webpages

Claim Verification:

A Google keyword search using terms like “South Sudan Youth Empowerment Fund 2024” yields no relevant results. No open-source reports or announcements from credible government websites, independent news outlets, or official social media accounts of the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Sports regarding such a fund exist. 

The Ministry of Youth has not publicised any such program on its official platforms or in any event for the public.

Legitimate government programs or financial assistance initiatives are typically announced through formal channels such as government press releases, national news outlets, or public statements from officials.

A Whois domain search of the destination website shows no affiliation with the Government of South Sudan or any recognised institutions. 

Scammers commonly use such unverified links to lead users to phishing sites where personal data can be harvested or used for malicious purposes.

The screenshot of the whois domain search

Analysis

Additionally, a VirusTotal scan of the link shows that the site is potentially dangerous, as it can redirect users to phishing websites.

The request for applicants to share the link with multiple WhatsApp contacts or groups is a classic scam technique. This tactic is used to spread the fraudulent link widely and quickly, making it appear more credible as it circulates. 

Genuine government applications do not require applicants to share links on social media to proceed with their applications. This behaviour is typical of pyramid schemes or phishing scams designed to gather personal information for identity theft or fraud.

Conclusion:

211CHECK found out that the South Sudan Youth Empowerment Fund 2024 is a hoax

There is no verifiable evidence that the Government of South Sudan or the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Sports is running the Youth Empowerment Fund 2024. This message is part of a phishing scam aimed at collecting personal information under pretences.

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