South Sudan denies rumours of President Kiir's death, calls for calm

The president, it added, "continues to carry out his presidential duties with vigour, commitment, sound health and complete fitness."
South Sudan's government has categorically denied rumours circulating on social media that President Salva Kiir Mayardit has passed away, calling the reports "false, malicious and entirely baseless."
In a statement released on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation assured the public, regional neighbours, and international partners that "H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit is alive, well and fully engaging in the service of the nation."
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The president, it added, "continues to carry out his presidential duties with vigour, commitment, sound health and complete fitness."
The statement condemned the reports in the strongest possible terms, warning that the deliberate spread of misinformation was intended to "create unnecessary panic, confusion, and instability."
The ministry stated 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 rumours fabricated by enemies of peace, development, nation building and stability in South Sudan," it added, calling on the public to "disregard these rumours and refrain from sharing unverified information."
Juba reaffirmed that the country remains stable and committed to fulfilling its national duties "ordinarily and as expected."
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