President Salva Kiir is alive and well, South Sudan Ministry says

South Sudan President Salva Kiir at Nyayo Stadium for President Mwai Kibaki’s Requiem mass on April 29, 2022 [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

South Sudan has dismissed rumors claiming that President Salva Kiir Mayardit has died, calling them “baseless and malicious.”

In a statement released Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said that President Kiir is ‘alive, well, and fully engaging in the service of the nation.’

“The President continues to carry out his presidential duties with vigor, commitment, sound health and complete fitness,” said the Ministry, urging the public to ignore unverified reports.

The statement follows a new wave of speculation regarding Kiir’s health after he missed several public appearances last week.

The South Sudan government condemned what it calls a deliberate attempt to spread misinformation with the aim of sowing “panic, confusion, and instability.”

“Such fake news only serves the interests of those who wish to undermine our nation’s sovereignty, hard-won peace and progress. These are entirely baseless and irresponsible rumors fabricated by enemies of peace, development, nation building and stability in South Sudan.”

But, it isn’t the first time such news has spread, speculating over the 73-year-old leader’s health, often coinciding with his temporary absences from the public eye.

In May 2020, Kiir appeared at a press conference following a brief disappearance from public view and widespread speculation that he had contracted COVID-19.

“I want to urge all of you to refocus your energies to the fight against the coronavirus pandemic and leave futile politicking and helpless propaganda for now,” the Head of State said at the time.

He also denied claims that he had delegated authority to Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi, stating, “There has never been any reassignment of duties of the President. The public should not delve into propaganda.”

In April 2022, worry arose after he failed to speak at the funeral of former Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki, prompting clarification from his Cabinet Affairs Minister that he was simply experiencing a temporary voice problem and remained in good health.

In 2023, rumors again flared when President Kiir traveled to Saudi Arabia for the Saudi-Africa Summit.  Despite official announcements about the purpose of his trip, some claimed he had been flown abroad for medical attention.

Last June, the South Sudanese Cabinet introduced new protocols restricting access to President Kiir. Deputy Information Minister Jacob Korok said the measure was to manage congestion and enhance health and safety procedures in the presidential office, not due to any medical condition. “Ministers will now have to submit a formal request before seeking an audience with the president,” Korok explained.

President Kiir has led South Sudan since it gained independence in 2011.