Tag Archive for: #FactsMatter

211 Check Website Graphics

Explainer: Ebola outbreak in Uganda, what it means for South Sudan, and how to stay safe.

/in , ,

Writer: Makur Majeng

Uganda’s Ministry of Health, in its report on 30 January 2025, confirmed a new outbreak of Ebola in the capital, Kampala, with one fatality recorded. The patient in question was a 32-year-old male nurse who displayed great internal bleeding and multiple organ failure, which included high fever, chest pain, and most importantly, difficulty in breathing before he succumbed to death at Mulago Hospital. 

Ugandan health investigators have established close contact tracing of 44 people, including 30 healthcare workers among them. The outbreak of the Sudan Ebola virus is concerning because there is no approved vaccine for the variant.

This is not the first time Uganda has experienced an Ebola outbreak, but it has been on and off since the early 2000s and recently.

Sudan Ebola Virus image; Source: Africa CDC

Because of its proximity to Uganda and the frequent movement of people between the two countries, there is concern about the containment of any further cross-border transmission of the disease by the authorities in South Sudan.

This article further looks at what Ebola is, how it originated, how it is prevented, and the actions the Ministry of Health in South Sudan has taken to counter the virus before reaching the country.

What is the Ebola virus?

It is an acute infectious, deadly illness that affects humans and non-human primates that is caused by one of the members of the family of Filoviridae, ebolavirus. The Ebola class, as a hemorrhagic fever, means great internal bleeding, lots of exterior skin bleeding, organ failure, and in many cases triggers death.

There are six strains of the Ebola virus acknowledged, four other forms of which can cause an infection in monkeys:

  • Zaire ebolavirus (the deadliest and most common due to vaccines),
  • Sudan ebolavirus ( SUDV) (the one which caused the outbreak in Uganda: There is no vaccine currently approved. ),
  • Bundibugyo ebolavirus,
  • Taï Forest ebolavirus.
  • Reston ebolavirus (affects non-humans but does not participate in the epidemic among human beings).
  • Bombali ebolavirus (is found in bats; there are yet no officially known cases of people infected).

Ebola is commonly spread through direct contact with any of the bodily fluids of an infected person: blood, saliva, urine, vomit, sweat, faeces, breast milk, or semen. Contaminated surfaces and any piece of contaminated medical equipment also allow transmission; hence, the tendency to be a high-risk area.

How Did Ebola Come About?

In 1976, the first recorded outbreak of Ebola occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) near the Ebola River, from where it gets its name. The virus is thought to have originated from fruit bats, which serve as natural hosts. Ebola is a zoonotic disease, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans, typically through contact with already infected animals such as chimpanzees, monkeys, gorillas, or becoming infected through bushmeat.

The Ebola outbreak occurred mainly in Central and West Africa, which has seen serious outbreaks in the DRC, Uganda, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.

What are the Ebola symptoms?

As stated by the WHO, Ebola symptoms occur between 2 and 21 days after infection and worsen rapidly. Among the key symptoms are:

  • Early Symptoms (Flu-like):
  • High fever (higher than 38.5°C)
  • Severe headache
  • Muscle pain and general weakness
  • Sore throat
  • Advanced Symptoms:
  • Vomiting and diarrhoea
  • Rash and red eyes
  • Uncontrolled bleeding from the body (internal and external)
  • Failure of organ systems and multi-organ collapse

Are There Any Preventive Measures?

According to the UK Health Security Agency, there is no licensed vaccine for the Sudan ebolavirus, but preventive measures may include:

  • Avoid direct contact with infected individuals or animals.
  • Practice proper hand hygiene; wash hands with soap and water or disinfect them using a hand sanitiser.
  • Wear a protective suit and masks when treating patients in high-risk areas.
  • Avoid bushmeat, which carries the potential to transmit the virus.
  • Thoroughly disinfect areas contaminated with bodily fluids of an infected person.

What is South Sudan’s Ministry of Health Response?

After the Ugandan government’s confirmation of a Sudan ebolavirus outbreak in Kampala, Uganda’s government notified the South Sudan Ministry of Health about the outbreak. In response, the health ministry announced surveillance measures at major points of entry, with enhanced screening procedures for incoming travellers at Juba International Airport and the Nimule border and more intensified monitoring of individuals entering from Uganda.

With the rampant border movement between South Sudan and Uganda, the country is at a greater risk of virus transmission, according to Dr. Kediende Chong, Director General for Preventive Health Services and Emergency Response, as quoted by Eye Radio. 

Dr. Chong emphasised that these measures were necessary due to the movement of people between the two countries, which heightens the risk of the Ebola virus entering South Sudan.

Among the measures, citizens are urged to be vigilant and to report any suspected cases of Ebola to the nearest health facility, and early detection and isolation can prevent the spread of the virus.

Conclusion:

Ebola’s outbreak in Uganda poses serious public health challenges for bordering countries like South Sudan, although Ebola has not yet been reported in South Sudan. However, prevention is key to stopping the spread of the deadly virus and the Ministry of Health has announced enhancing border surveillance, public awareness, and health facility preparedness to protect the citizens.

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.

211 Check Website Graphics Image

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

/in , , ,

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.

211 Check Website Graphics

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

/in , , ,

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.

211 Check Website Graphics

Fact-check: No, the government is not recording WhatsApp calls as well as reading messages.

/in , ,

WhatsApp’s viral claim about government surveillance is false. No evidence suggests WhatsApp is monitored in South Sudan; its encryption ensures privacy.

Writer: Makur Majeng

A viral WhatsApp message circulating in South Sudanese WhatsApp groups claiming that new communication rules would allow the government to monitor WhatsApp messages and calls is false. 

The message also included threats of arrest and prosecution for sharing content critical of the government or on sensitive topics while warning that devices are automatically connected to a government ministry system for monitoring.

Screenshot of the WhatsApp claim

In addition to that, it also claimed that WhatsApp has new rules for group members with different colours of ticks when messages are sent or read, warned users to avoid sharing “bad posts,” and advised WhatsApp group moderators to monitor their group content.

Screenshot of the claim

Claim Verification:

This is not a new claim, a Google keyword search showed that similar messages had been circulating globally since at least 2021. The same text, sometimes with minor variations, has appeared in countries like India, Nigeria, and Kenya, often sparking unnecessary alarm among users.

Other Facebook links are available here, here and here.

There has been no official announcement from WhatsApp or any government in South Sudan about effecting such measures. WhatsApp, owned by Meta, uses end-to-end encryption, which ensures that only the sender and receiver can read messages or access calls. Not even WhatsApp itself can intercept or monitor messages, let alone third parties like governments.

This claim has been debunked by various fact-checking organisations, including Fact Crescendo, NewsChecker and NewsMeter, in their previous investigations as false. 

211 Check also found an Africa Check fact-check, titled “No, WhatsApp is still fully encrypted,” published on their website in 2022. 

“This is false, all messages on WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted, meaning only the sender or the receiver can see or hear your messages, nobody else. Not even WhatsApp,” Africa Check quoted a WhatsApp official as saying at that time.

Conclusion

211 Check found earlier evidence which valid that the viral WhatsApp message is false and part of a recycling hoax that has been going on for a long.

The claim did not originate in South Sudan but from other countries around the world as part of misinformation which was debunked.

Neither the government of South Sudan nor other countries publicly announced such a move on recording WhatsApp calls and reading messages on the platform.

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.

211 Check Graphic Image

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

/in , ,

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.

211 Check Website Graphics

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

/in ,

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.

211 Check Website Graphics

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

/in ,

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.

211CHECK Website Graphics

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

/in ,

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.

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.

211CHECK Website Graphics

Fact-check: No, This Photo Does Not Show Christians Burnt by a Pastor in Congo

/in ,

This image does not depict Christians burnt by a pastor in Congo. Instead, it shows the tragic aftermath of a fuel tanker explosion in Morogoro, Tanzania, in 2019.

Writer: Makur Majeng

An image circulating on WhatsApp, accompanied by a false claim that Christians were burnt by a Congolese pastor, is false. The image is not from Congo and does not depict the aftermath of any church-related incident in that country. 

The graphic photo shows charred bodies piled on the ground while surrounded by onlookers, accompanied by a statement that warns Christians to take care; it is falsely attributed to an incident involving a pastor who allegedly burnt his followers. 

“A pastor in Congo has burned his followers in the church. So Christians take care, not every church you go to is good. Some are terrorists and devil worshippers,” reads the statement.

The screenshot of the image on WhatsApp

Claim Verification:

A Yandex reverse image search by 211CHECK of the picture revealed that it is not from Congo but was first circulated about a tragic accident in Tanzania. On August 10, 2019, a fuel tanker exploded in Morogoro, Tanzania, resulting in the deaths of at least 100 people. 

The explosion occurred when a group of people rushed to siphon petrol from the overturned tanker. Nation Africa, in its report, attributed the incident to have been caused by an attempt by a man to remove the tanker’s battery, which created sparks that ignited fuel, leading to the devastating fire. 

Many of the victims, including motorcyclists and taxi drivers, suffered burns over 80% of their bodies and more succumbed to their injuries, according to media reports. 

This incident had been fact-checked by AFP Fact-Check and Altnews, which confirmed the true origin of the image.

This same image had been falsely attributed to xenophobic violence attacks in South Africa but debunked by AFP Check as false. 

Conclusion:

This image does not depict Christians burnt by a pastor in Congo. Instead, it shows the tragic aftermath of a fuel tanker explosion in Morogoro, Tanzania, in 2019. The image has been repeatedly misused to promote false narratives. The claim did not provide the name of any pastor or a specific location, as well as whether it is in Congo Brazzaville or the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where the incident happened.

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.

211 Check Website Graphics

Fact-check: No, Nile Petroleum Corporation is not recruiting new staff

/in ,

The WhatsApp message claiming that NilePet Corporation is recruiting new staff is misleading and false. The NilePet Corporation did not advertise any new job vacancies for recruitment.

Author: Makur Majeng

A WhatsApp message widely shared in groups claiming to be from Nile Petroleum Corporation commonly known as NILEPET is a hoax. 

The claim alleged that NilePet has opened an application portal to recruit new staff to fill available positions, citing that some candidates have been selected. 

“Nile Petroleum Corporation Limited (NILEPET). The Nile Petroleum Corporation Limited (NILEPET) has opened an application portal to recruit new staff to fill available positions. Recruitment has started and some candidates have been selected. Don’t miss this great opportunity. Click the link below to apply now. Application is free and available to all interested candidates. Apply now👇https://tinyurl.com/nilepet-recruitment,” reads the WhatsApp message.

The screenshot of the WhatsApp message

The screenshot of the first webpage

When a user clicks on the provided link, it requires a user to enter their personal information, such as title, name, phone number, and email. Then it will prompt him or her to click the “APPLY” button to go to the next webpage. After clicking on the continue button, it asks a user to choose his/her gender between male and female and click on the “PROCEED” button.

However, after choosing the gender, it will instruct a user to follow the instructions carefully to submit his/her application successfully, asking the user to share the message with 5 groups or 15 friends on WhatsApp.

After following this step, a user would be informed that his/her application was successful, with a promise of Short Messaging Service (SMS) confirmation from NILEPET via their phone number.

Upon clicking prompts for application status and submitting or downloading the form, a user will be taken to a different website.

The screenshot of the webpages 

Claim Verification:

The Nilepet, in a statement issued to the public through its official Facebook page, dismissed the claim as fake.

“Nilepet’s Public Relations department would like to warn the public about a fake recruitment scheme using the Nilepet name. We strongly condemn this and urge everyone to stay alert. For accurate information, please consult our official Nilepet communication channel,” reads the official statement from the Nilepet Public Relations Department.

The screenshot of Nilepet’s Facebook post

The WHOIS domain lookup of the website shows that it was registered in 2002 and will 

expire in 2029.

The screenshot of the WHOIS domain lookup

However, it has been flagged by VirusTotal analysis to be a phishing attack.

Conclusion:

211 Check found that the WhatsApp message claiming NILEPET is recruiting new staff in 2024 is fake and misleading. It is a phishing website designed to steal personal information.

The Nile Petroleum Corporation Limited did not advertise any new job vacancies, and it refuted the claim while stating that its vacancy advertisements are placed on authorised channels.

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.