The head of the state continued that the war beneficiaries were disappointed by the peace that prevailed in the country since the signing of the 2018 peace agreement
By James Chatim
It all started as a simple spark, then the rumour split into wildfire, scaring everyone in Juba. Social media went a buzz on Tuesday evening, with word changing tab after tab, on various social media pages, alleging that the Chief of Military Intelligence, General Stephen Marshal refused to comply with a suspension order from the Chief of Defence Forces.
The social media statements further claimed that the refusal by the military intelligence chief to comply with the suspension had caused tension at the Bilpam army headquarters, messages that would soon create fear among the residents around the area and led to closure of businesses.
This scare was also witnesses across various areas in Juba, a move that would soon attract an address from the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces.
“General Stephen Marshall has not been suspended, nor has he been detained. Additionally, there is no tension in Newsite or Bilpam as a result of these rumors. These are completely baseless and the work of warmongers,” stated Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, the spokesperson for the SSPDF.
Meanwhile, Presidential Press Secretary, Lily Adhieu Martin, also released a statement dispelling the romours.
“The Office of the President would like to reassure the public that the security situation in the capital, Juba, remains calm and peaceful. As you may have heard earlier from the Spokeperson of South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), the rumors of tension within the military headquarters are baseless and untrue,” the statement, released soon after the army spokesperson’s, read.
An anonymous source with the knowedge of the magnitude of the impact of these viral social media claims, revealed to The City Review that their aftermath caused panic, and led to some dignitaries travelling out of the country due to fear.
In a bid to reassure the country and further calm the city, President Salva Kiir, in his address to the nation yesterday said the panic and fear that happened on Tuesday that there was tension in the army headquarters was “untrue.”
Kiir said the misinformation circulated about the tension was as a result of “the beneficiaries of war and stability are behind the rumours as they have no benefit in peace.”
The head of the state continued that the war beneficiaries were disappointed by the peace that prevailed in the country since the signing of the 2018 peace agreement.
“I am here to address the panic and fear that happened on Tuesday 26th November 2024. The misinformation circulating of tension in the army Headquarters is untrue. Our army is intact and together with other security agencies are discharging their patriotic duty effectively,” Kiir said.
“They spread unfounded rumours to instill fear and sense of uncertainty in citizens’ minds.”
President Kiir continued that on several occasions he had stated that the country will not go to war again as the government embraces dialogue to resolve differences.
He cautioned the citizens to avoid listening to rumours, and urged the public to go about their daily businesses for the achievement of the collective development of the country.
“As your president, I am here to assure you that our country is secure and safe. I said time and again that our country will not return to war. We will embrace dialogue to resolve our differences,”
“I appeal to you to go about your businesses, so we can collectively build our beautiful country. Learn to defy these rumours, never take them seriously, because they are lies.”
Meanwhile, Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) issued a stern warning to South Sudanese citizens against spreading inaccurate or unverified information on various media platforms, and emphasized the importance of responsible communication, particularly in situations requiring early warnings.
“Engaging in early warning is remarkable, but it must be executed professionally and accurately,” he stated.
“I appeal to you to go about your businesses, so we can collectively build our beautiful country. Learn to defy these rumours, never take them seriously, because they are lies,” President Salva Kiir, in a statement reassuring citizens.