South Sudan refutes rumors of president's death

South Sudanese government has refuted reports which has been circulating across the country and entire East Africa region claiming that President Salva Kiir died on Tuesday.

Panic rose in the capital Juba, late Tuesday after rumors emerged that the head of state had passed on, causing confusion in the city.

Government Spokesperson Michael Makuei told reporters Wednesday that the reports of the president's death were generated by anti-peace elements who want to cause havoc in the country.

"This is a mere lie. There is nothing as such. Salva Kiir has never been sick. He was in the office and left his office at 4.30 pm (Local time), and at present he is at his house," Makuei said.

"These are some of the problems by people who do not want peace and if you spread such wild lies they become a source of insecurity," he added.

Makuei said government will take tough actions on the manufacturers of the rumors, further threatening to cut off social media sites in the country.

"If this situation continues, don't be surprised if we disconnect you from the rest of the world because what we need is peace. But once people begin to spread wild rumors, this will not be allowed to continue. Some of these social media sites will not be allowed to work if people continue to work like that," he said.

South Sudan has seen a rise in ethnically based killings and online hate speech following the flare-up of violence in July.

The government spokesperson appealed to South Sudanese communities to refrain from acts of revenge attacks and embrace peace. Endit