Claims that a massive figure was seen in the sky above Juba or Rumbek in South Sudan are false, as a reverse image search shows that the image was actually taken in Zambia in 2017.
Writer: Emmanuel Bida Thomas
Social media has been abuzz with claims that a massive figure resembling the evil ‘dementors’ from the Harry Potter series was seen in the sky above Juba, South Sudan or Rumbek, a town in South Sudan’s Lakes State.
The image was shared by several Facebook users here, here, here, and here.
Facebook post claiming that the image is from Rumbek.
However, a reverse image search shows that this is not the case. The image has actually been circulating on social media since March 2017, and reports suggest that it was taken above the Mukuba Mall in the city of Kitwe in north-central Zambia.
The claims that the image is from South Sudan are entirely unfounded. The image has been debunked multiple times since it first appeared in 2017, and it has been widely reported that it was taken in Zambia.
It is important to note that social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter can be hotbeds of misinformation and fake news, especially during times of crisis or uncertainty. Verifying any claims before sharing them with others is crucial in such situations. One way to do this is by conducting a reverse image search, which can quickly reveal an image’s original source and help debunk any false claims.
In this case, a reverse image search shows that the image in question is not from South Sudan, but rather from Zambia. It is not uncommon for images to be misattributed or taken out of context on social media, so it is important to be vigilant when sharing information online.
Conclusion:
Claims that a massive figure resembling a ‘dementor’ from the Harry Potter series was seen in the sky above Juba or Rumbek in South Sudan are false. The image has been circulating on social media since 2017, and it was actually taken above the Mukuba Mall in Kitwe, Zambia.
Fight misinformation on 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
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Claims-that-a-massive-figure-was-seen-in-the-sky-above-Juba-or-Rumbek-in-South-Sudan-are-false-as-a-reverse-image-search-shows-that-the-image-was-actually-taken-in-Zambia-in-2017..png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2023-02-28 09:28:522023-02-28 09:28:58Fact-check: A massive figure sightings over Juba and Rumbek proven false
A rumor claiming that South Sudan would experience an earthquake worse than the one in Turkey was circulated on social media, but there was no credible evidence to support it.
Writer: Emmanuel Bida Thomas
On the night of February 27th, a rumor began circulating on social media platforms, including Facebook and WhatsApp, that South Sudan was about to experience an earthquake worse than the one that hit Turkey. The rumor that was shared here and here instructed people to stay outside of their buildings to avoid harm. However, there was no earthquake in South Sudan last night, and no credible media reports suggest otherwise.
Screenshot of a Facebook post with the false claim
It is crucial to rely on credible sources of information and avoid spreading rumors that can lead to dangerous situations. In this case, a South Sudanese researcher quickly dismissed the rumors, stating that there was no threat of an earthquake and that the rumors were unfounded. People should always look to official sources for information during times of crisis, such as government agencies and reputable news outlets.
“People should panic only with scientifically informed communique regarding any natural disaster,” M. Ajang Mathiang, Research Assistant at Telolink Technology, said in a Facebook post.
There were no significant confirmed earthquakes in or near South Sudan in the past 24 hours, according to Earthquake Track and VolcanoDiscovery.
3.4- the strength of tremor felt in Juba on February 25, 2022 on the Richter scale.
4.5- the strength of the tremor felt in Torit on 25 February 2022 on the Rickter scale.
3.8- the strength of tremor felt in Juba in December 2021 on the Richter scale
7.5- the strength of tremor felt in South Sudan in 1990
Can an earthquake be predicted or told beforehand?
According to various sources here, here, and here, earthquakes cannot be accurately predicted. Seismologists can only estimate where and when earthquakes may be likely to occur by calculating probabilities and forecasts based on past seismic activity425.
However, seismologists use seismographs to detect and record earthquakes as they happen. They also study fault lines to see how ancient earthquakes have shaped the Earth’s crust.
Rumors and false information can spread quickly on social media, causing panic and fear. It is essential to verify the accuracy of such information before spreading it to others, especially during times of crisis. In this case, the rumor caused unnecessary fear and anxiety among the South Sudanese population, who spent the night outside their homes anticipating an earthquake that never occurred.
Conclusion:
The rumor that South Sudan was about to experience a devastating earthquake worse than the one that hit Turkey last night is false. No credible media reports suggest otherwise. It is crucial to rely on verified sources of information and avoid spreading rumors that can cause unnecessary fear and panic. By doing so, we can help ensure that people stay safe and informed during times of crisis.
Fight misinformation on 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.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Fact-check-Rumor-of-an-earthquake-in-South-Sudan-debunked-no-seismic-activity-recorded.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2023-02-28 08:21:522023-02-28 08:21:56Fact-check: Rumor of an earthquake in South Sudan debunked; no seismic activity recorded
South Sudan’s social media platform is flooded with news of the proposed Ramciel City and alleged Tali International Airport, but the images were lifted from the internet sites and not the legitimate government designs.
Writer: Ghai Aketch
The government’s recent announcement of the Ramciel City project resumption has widely circulated. The excitement is seen in a collection of images shared online allegedly representing the proposed project.
Ramciel is the proposed capital of South Sudan, located about 250 km north of Juba in Lakes’ State. Its relatively central position in South Sudan makes it more ideal, according to the government. Land issues and the need to have a well-planned modern city also inspired the decision.
It was initiated by the late Dr. John Garang before his death in 2005. According to him, its implementation would follow the independence of Southern Sudan. So, in 2011 after South Sudan’s independence that year, the Council of Ministers embarked on his plan.
But the project stalled due to Covid-19; fortunately, it resumed this year, according to the Vice President for Infrastructure Cluster Taban Deng Gai, on February 2, 2023.
“The Ramciel City Master Plan is being carried out by a consortium of Moroccan and Korean Consultants (CID, NOVEC and Seaoyoung). The management of the project is being coordinated by Al Omrane Group of Morocco and the Technical Steering Committee under the High-Level Ministerial Committee,” The office of the Vice President posted in February 2023.
This has since been exciting news to South Sudanese netizens who went on sharing fake images to depict the Ramciel City plan. The images currently going viral were not legitimately released by the government but were lifted randomly from the internet by some internet users.
Our keyword searches and image verification found that most pictures representing Ramciel are misleading.
Take a look at these trending images misrepresenting the Ramciel City plan and where they originated from.
The proposed Ramciel City is said to incorporate an International Airport called Tali International Airport(TIA). It is anticipated to serve the city—however, no official artistic impression supports that. But the citizens have since shared the wrong image to represent it.
NB: all the above images do not represent the Ramciel City plan.
So, which Ramciel Master Plan design is authentic?
On February 2, 2023, the government, headed up by Vice President Taban Deng Gai and stakeholders, presented the digital design of Ramciel City, adding that the physical design would be shipped to the country abroad in April this year. However, no high-definition image was officially released.
Below are the official Ramciel City designs
This is a 2017 Ramciel artistic impression inspected by the Government in Juba.
.
The recent master plan images during the project resumption presentation in Juba on February 2, 2023.
Conclusion
The photographed and artistic impressions used to refer to Ramciel City were lifted from the internet, as indicated by this article. Although it has no profound negative impact, it is misinforming the masses. The recent official images for the resumption of the city are available here.
Fight misinformation on both mainstream and alternative media by not being a victim of fake news. Refrain from sharing content that 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.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/These-images-are-not-of-the-proposed-Ramciel-City-master-plan.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2023-02-16 09:25:142023-02-16 09:25:16Fact-check: Ramciel City’s most misleading master plan photos
The current social media health report is based on data gathered from January 1st to January 31st, 2023. It examines the most prevalent conversations on social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Twitter. The study also evaluates the prevalence of hate speech, false information, and incitement to violent content shared by both South Sudanese online and those abroad related to South Sudan. The report also looks at the growth and landscape of digital and social media in South Sudan.
The report analyses the activity of the top Facebook pages, groups, Instagram accounts, and Twitter handles using tools such as CrowdTangle, Vicinitas, and other monitoring methods. The key topics featured in the report are determined by their level of engagement and attention received on social media.
Throughout the reporting period in January 2023, several social media accounts posted an average of 2 times per day, with over a thousand posts published.
Key Findings and Issues:
13 people were killed and five others wounded in an attack in the Abyei region on 3rd January 2023
According to a statement from the United Nations Interim Security Forces for Abyei (UNISFA), a combined armed group of Nuer and Twic Dinka launched an early morning attack on Rumamer village, 15 kilometres south of Abyei Box, killing thirteen people and injuring five others (all Ngok Dinkas), while burning down 27 houses.
The news surprised social media, and users expressed sympathy for the souls who died while also sending condolences.
Oil-rich Abyei has been a source of contention since South Sudan’s independence in July 2011. The two countries have yet to reach an agreement on border mapping.
Screenshot of a viral social media live video by Radio Tamazuj
Graduation of over 3,000 necessary unified forces in Unity State on 15th January 2023
On January 15, 2023, at least 3,000 unified police forces graduated from the Kaljaak training centre in Unity State. Tut Gatluak Manime, the Presidential Advisor on Security Affairs, presided over the graduation and urged the police officers to protect civilians and their property.
Discussions on this development were centred around the graduation delay and the need to cater to the forces’ welfare.
A Screenshot of a viral post by SSBC News
After years of feuding, singers Mary Boyoi and Lady Kola reconcile.
Mary Boyoi and Lady Kola are two South Sudanese female artists who have been feuding over some sort of disagreement. Following Promoter Kay Two’s announcement that they would perform at a Together for Peace Concert in Aweil, Northern Bahr-el-Ghazal State, Mary Boyoi stated that she would boycott the concert if Lady Kola were present.
A discussion ensued online, particularly about the importance of not having such a difference since they were attending a peace concert. The organisers had to sit both singers down, which resulted in reconciliation, and they did, indeed, perform on the same stage at the peace concert.
A Screenshot of a viral post by Hot in Juba
Alijoma Mabil and John Frog. What went wrong?
Alijoma Mabil and John Frog, two South Sudanese male artists and their fans, began an online exchange that appeared normal but contained elements of hate speech. In early January, they called each other out on social media in several posts.
A Screenshot of a viral post by Alijoma Mabil
Response to remarks by Kalisto Lado on Clubhouse
In his capacity as a leader of the Bari Community Association, the former mayor of the Juba City Council, Kalisto Lado, has spoken out against the brutal slaughter of members of his community in Mangalla at the hands of cattle herders. He claimed that the herders had the goal of “occupying” land in Central Equatoria as part of their plan.
Clubhouse, an audio platform, was used by the ethnic group of herders living in the diaspora to respond condescendingly to the allegations against them.
Screenshot of a Clubhouse recording doing the rounds online
The #SSOT Twitter hashtag
Using Vicinitas, a tool that tracks and analyses real-time historical tweets, tracking the hashtag #SSOT reveals no major hate speech-related or disinformation terms among the engagements on the Twitter platform during the reporting period.
Word Cloud
The type of content being shared consists primarily of major retweets, and the majority are text-based.
Types of posts and media
Analysis:
The social media trends in South Sudan reflect a mix of reactions to current events and discussions on various topics. The attack in the Abyei region, the graduation of the unified police forces, and the reconciliation of Mary Boyoi and Lady Kola were met with sympathy and support. At the same time, the online exchange between Alijoma Mabil and John Frog contained elements of hate speech. The former mayor of Juba City Council, Kalisto Lado, spoke out against the brutal slaughter of his community. Still, the ethnic group of herders living in the diaspora used the Clubhouse platform to respond condescendingly.
The analysis of the #SSOT hashtag on Twitter showed no major hate speech or disinformation-related terms during the reporting period. However, the spread of misinformation and disinformation remains an issue of concern. The discussions on social media reflect the need for unity, peace, and the welfare of citizens and the concern over unresolved disputes and conflicts in the region.
Recommendations:
To improve social media discourse in South Sudan, it is crucial for users to adopt responsible and ethical practices. Recommendations include promoting respectful and peaceful discussions, verifying the accuracy of the information, using social media to build bridges and foster dialogue, encouraging critical thinking and fact-checking, and promoting media literacy and digital citizenship. By following these guidelines, users can contribute to a more informed and peaceful online community in South Sudan.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/January-2023-South-Sudan-Social-Media-Health-Report.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2023-02-15 13:43:182023-02-15 13:43:25Social Media Health Report, January 2023
The previous year, 53,220 enrolled for the exams comprising 31,232 males and 21,988 females. This year, 60,714 candidates, 34,505 males and 26,209 females, registered.
Writer: Emmanuel Bida Thomas
This week, pupils across South Sudan will write their Certificate of Primary Education (CPE) examinations for the academic year 2022.
The Ministry of General Education and Instruction says that a total of 60,714 candidates, 34,505 males and 26,209 females, have dully registered for the examination, which began on Monday, February 13, 2023.
However, as compared to the previous year, when 53,220 candidates, including 31,232 males and 21,988 females, registered, this year’s number shows a 12.34 per cent increase in the number of candidates.
Male candidates increased by 3,273 from 31,232 in the 2021/22 exams, and female candidates also grew by 4,221 from 21,988 the previous year.
The increase in male candidates accounts for 9.49% of the increase, while the increase in female candidates accounts for 16.11% of the increase.
Year
Males
Females
Total
2017/18
26,533
15,460
41,993
2018/19
30,480
18,000
48,480
2019/20
34,825
21,962
56,787
2020/21
32,549
20,693
62,362
2021/22
31,232
21,988
53,220
2022/23
34,505
26,209
60,714
Table showing statistics of CPE candidates for the past six years
The presented data indicates that there has been a 12.34% increase in the number of candidates registered for the Certificate of Primary Education (CPE) examinations in South Sudan for the academic year 2022, in comparison to the previous year. Out of a total of 60,714 registered candidates, 34,505 are male, and 26,209 are female. Notably, the percentage increase in male candidates stands at 9.49%, while that of female candidates is 16.11%. The South Sudan National Examinations Council (SSNEC) has demonstrated exceptional efforts in registering a significant number of candidates this year, notwithstanding challenges such as insecurity and feeding difficulties in some regions of the country, as noted by the Minister for General Education and Instruction, Awut Deng Acuil.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/A-chart-showing-male-female-statistics-of-CPE-candidates-in-the-past-six-years.png579796211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2023-02-14 10:06:002023-02-14 10:06:07Data Story: 12.34% rise in the number of pupils registered for the certificate of primary education examinations this year.
A claim on Twitter that Ugandans were shot dead in Juba for burning charcoal on February 10, 2023, is false and misleading.
Writer: Emmanuel Bida Thomas
A claim by a Twitter user in a tweet on February 10, 2023, that “Ugandans were shot dead in Juba for burning charcoal” is false.
“On 30th January 2023, Ugandans were shot dead in Juba for burning charcoal. The incident comes in a period when thousands of Ugandans have been being killed without both governments taking concern,” the tweet reads in part.
Though the tweet received little attention on social media, it makes a highly misleading claim, particularly to audiences who do not follow credible media reports from South Sudan.
Screenshot of the Tweet as shared on 10/02/2023
So, what makes this claim incorrect? Here’s a quick overview:
A Google reverse image search yields the same image that was used on Facebook and Twitter on February 2, 2023. It depicts the bodies of over 20 Kajo-keji residents killed in a cattle-related incident in South Sudan’s Central Equatoria State. They were buried in a mass grave in Kajo-Keji.
According to Radio Tamazuj and Eye Radio, the victims were unarmed civilians at Likamerok Boma in Lire Payam, Kajo-keji county. These reports make no mention of Ugandans.
A keyword search for “Ugandans killed in South Sudan 2023” on Google yields no results for any news report about the incident depicted in the tweet’s photo. This year, no Ugandans have been killed in South Sudan.
Conclusion:
The claim that Ugandans were among those killed in a photo shared on Facebook and Twitter on February 2, 2023, is false. The image shows over 20 Kajo-keji residents who were killed in a cattle-related incident in South Sudan’s Central Equatoria State, and no credible news reports mention any Ugandans being among the victims.
Fight misinformation on both mainstream and alternative media by not being a victim of fake news. Refrain from sharing content that 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.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/The-claim-on-Twitter-that-Ugandans-were-shot-dead-in-Juba-for-burning-charcoal-on-February-10-2023-is-false-and-misleading..png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2023-02-14 08:58:152023-02-14 08:58:22Fact-check: This photo is not of Ugandans killed in Juba
Deepfake is an application of AI technology that can manipulate videos, images, and audio of real people. It has been used for hate speech and misinformation, as well as to impersonate people’s likenesses.
Writer: Ghai Aketch
Have you ever wondered when digital content looking authentic is flagged as fake? It is indeed possible with the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology that is a sophisticated spread of disinformation and hate speech.
Deepfake is, therefore a product of such advanced tech. It’s an application of sophisticated computer AI to manipulate videos, images or audio of real people. Its name is derived from Deep Learning, a type of AI system.
The targeted images are altered by deep fake software to generate exact images of the person, and synthetic character is produced. The output of the manipulated footage turns real people to say words they never spoke or act as the programmer wants.
The deepfake videos were initially targeting celebrities to ‘feature’ in explicit clips. The explicit contents would sequentially promote clicks on the websites.
The programmers download random pornographic videos and swap faces of prominent people with the video characters which to great extent looks original.
So, given the possibility to manipulate images of real people is worrying according to researches when political or religious leaders are targeted to ‘utter’ hate speech towards other groups. It has become a great source for hate speech and misinformation propagation.
Although no reported clips of deepfake involving South Sudanese prominent figures, concerns should be placed on alertness on the dangers this technology could cause in the politically fragile state should it happen.
When used in a political setting, the image-altering emerging trends could cause detrimental cybersecurity and society threats according to Security Week.
The most recent example of a deepfake footage is of the US sitting president, Joe Biden.
The footage in circulation was manipulated and appeared ridiculing transgender women, by allegedly saying, “you will never be a real woman.”
Interestingly, he had earlier supported transgender Americans before the footage emerged. It was hard though to distinguish it as fake. But with keen reference to past events can wake your curiosity.
The United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs(UNODA) in 2019 to 2021 held a series of multi-stakeholders sessions highlighting that misuse of ICT may ‘harm international peace and security.’
But fast-advancing technology has eased this machine learning process. That’s to say anyone with a computer and internet access can, with ease, generate deepfake contents.
Also, its emerging user-friendly interface has made AI-altered products more available on the internet today.
However, countering that, developers have reverse engineered the deepfake processes. Several deepfake debunking softwares such as, DeepTrace, Microsoft Video Authenticator and DuckDuckGoose are countering spread of disinformation through digital content verification.
As much as deepfake is useful in the entertainment industry, it’s largely digressing into real crimes and insecurity for states.
How to detect deepfake
Emergence of new tech has made almost anything possible. But people tend to be baffled while sifting genuine information from deepfakes.
Fortunately, you can, without using deepfake detecting tools, try to spot the following in a computer-doctored footage.
How to spot deep fake
Additionally, being critical enough of digitally-generated content can do you better to detect certain flaws in deepfakes considering coherence of speeches, or previous events.
For example, the recent Joe Biden deepfake which allegedly ‘ridiculed’ transgender women. But look, previously he had signed sex-marriage bill into law, saying that Americans have rights to choose whom they want to marry.
Moreover, in the US transgender policies are upheld in some states including Washington D.C, where the government sits. So, such sudden inconsistencies can give you clear hints that that particular footage is fake.
It has come a time you should not always believe what you see according to an analytical report on deepfake emergence.
In South Sudan, impersonation of people’s likenesses has been through the commonly easy-to-use celebrity photos swapping Apps. However, it’s simple to spot that such images are inauthentic looking at the skin tone and image orientation.
In conclusion, deepfakes will keep increasing and grow complex according to available publications. But you need to be curious as deepfakes disseminate disinformation via altered images of powerful and famous personalities.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/What-is-a-deep-fake-and-how-to-spot-it.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2023-02-13 13:56:222023-02-13 13:56:28Explainer: What is a deep fake and how to spot it?
The fourth Vice President for the service cluster Hussein Abdelbagi has confirmed that he isn’t critically ill, as reported on social media.
Writer: Ghai Aketch
A piece of information has appeared twice on the internet alleging that Vice President Abdelbagi collapsed and was in a critical medical condition is false. It added that he would be airlifted abroad for treatment. The claim appeared on the Sixty 4 Tribes Press page twice on January 24 and 26, 2023.
“#BREAKING #NEWS
South Sudanese 4th Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi is in critical condition after convulsing for the 2nd time this morning at his residence. Plans are underway to airlift him to Nairobi for further treatment.” The post claims.
Screenshots alleging ill-health of the VP Hussein Abdelbagi Screenshots alleging ill-health of the VP Hussein Abdelbagi
However, when 211 Check reached Vice President Abdelbagi on January 26 via his Facebook page, he said he was not sick as reported.
“The information is not true. I am healthy,” he said.
Hussein Abdelbagi is the fourth Vice President of South Sudan tasked to head up the Service Cluster. He oversees all the public service projects.
Conclusion
The information is false. The Vice President dismissed the claims that he is in a critical medical condition. Additionally, the claim appeared only on this particular page but not on any other mainstream media or communication from the office of the Vice President.
#FactsMatter, Don’t be a victim of fake news; instead, let’s fight misinformation on both mainstream and alternative media. To avoid spreading false information, don’t share content you’re unsure about or know where it comes from.
To learn more about our fact-checking process, go to https://211check.org/ or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim, and our team will immediately fact-check it and respond.
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The Jonglei State government said it is using peaceful means, but not paying even a cent, to recover the abducted children and women from armed youth who raided Pibor.
Writer : Ghai Aketch
On January 11, the government of Jonglei State recovered 68 abducted children and women, and later returned them to their authorities in the Pibor Administrative Area.
However, allegations that the Jonglei government bought the abductees ensued on January 14. One media house published the story on its website quoting anonymous sources. It later went viral on several Facebook pages here and here.
“Eye witnesses in Jonglei state’s capital Bor are telling Sudans Post that at least two children abducted from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) by armed youth who attacked the Murle area recently were sold on the streets of the Jonglei State’s capital.” The publication reads partly.
On Christmas eve, armed youth from Jonglei State launched a revenge attack in the Pibor Administrative Area. Such inter-communal retaliatory attacks have been existing for decades between communities in Jonglei and Pibor.
According to the local authorities there more than 50 people were killed, women and children abducted on the Christmas eve attack.
But when the armed youth retreated to their state, the state authorities said they negotiated with them to surrender the abductees which they (authorities) airlifted and handed over to Pibor administrators.
However, information which circulated online contradicted this. It stated that the Jonglei State government paid abductors some money to get the abductees.
This is a claim the State Minister of Information John Samuel Manyon denied saying it was ‘concocted and baseless.’
“It has come to our attention that unfounded reports are circulating on social media that the government of Jonglei State has been paying abductors in exchange for abductees recently recovered and handed over to Pibor,” Manyuon said.
He continued: “Those reports are fake and baseless, and circulated by enemies of peace and progress. Therefore, we are informing the general public that allegations circulating on social media are concocted by agents of those politicians who are cutting-edges of their political interest at the expense of innocent lives.”
Minister Manyuon reiterated that the government of Jonglei didn’t pay any single cent to recover the abductees. “We recovered such a huge number of abductees through dialogue with the ringleaders of the abductors.”
Conclusion:
No proof the Jonglei government paid abductors money to recover the abducted children and women. Additionally, the government is seen using a negotiation approach as it publicly engages the community leaders in the counties to trace the abducted Pibor residents.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Claim-govt-buying-abducted-children.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2023-01-19 08:31:192023-01-19 08:31:22Fact-check: Jonglei State gov’t not buying abducted children from abductors
A South Sudanese journalist based in Australia said he didn’t call for the firing of the South Sudanese Vice President Dr. James Wani Igga during his radio broadcast in Australia.
Writer: Ghai Aketch
On monday a social media page published that Ajak Deng Chiengkou announced in his radio broadcast that the South Sudanese Vice President for Economic Cluster Dr. James Wani Igga should be fired from his position.
The Facebook page, Voice of Juba, alleged that Ajak accused Vice President Dr. Igga for instigating attacks on the Bor community where he (Ajak) comes from.
“Australian based Popular journalist Ajak Deng Chiengkou has accused Vice President Wani Igga and former Juba Mayor Kalisto of being behind the recent attacks on Bor cattle keepers in Mangala along the Bor road.” The post claims.
“Ajak was heard saying in one of his live broadcasts that Wani Igga should be fired if he is involved in such deadly plots against South Sudanese citizens.” The post reads.
Screenshot claiming the journalist called for resignation of the Vice President Dr. Igga
Ajak Deng Chiengkou is a South Sudanese journalist based in Australia. He works for SBS Radio in Australia where he hosts the SBS Dinka segment in the Dinka dialect.
However, when contacted via his official Facebook page to confirm the authenticity of the allegation, Ajak told 211 Check that he didn’t broadcast such information.
“It came to my attention today that Voice of Juba, a page run by two administrators in Uganda and Kenya, had posted a false story about me calling for the resignation of Vice President Wani and the former Mayor. There is a need for an indication of where they got the information.” Ajak said in a messenger reply to 211 Check.
He later posted on his Facebook page that the information is not authentic.
Screenshot showing the journalist denying the allegation
Conclusion:
The Facebook page claiming Ajak called for the firing of the Vice President didn’t mention the date such information was broadcast. Moreover, it has not appeared in any mainstream media.
The journalist said he didn’t discuss the communal conflict on the radio. 211 Check also listened to the live streamed podcasts but couldn’t come across the allegation. Therefore, we conclude that the claim is false.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Allegation-Vice-President-should-be-fired.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2023-01-19 08:23:402023-01-19 08:23:43Fact-check: Journalist denies saying on the radio that he suggested firing a Vice President
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