Kiir to tour Juba tomorrow to dispel death rumours

May 25, 2020 COVID-19 South Sudan, Health, News, Newsbeat, South Sudan

South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit seen touring Juba after death rumours in Juba in 2016 (Photo credit: Facebook)

May 25, 2020 (SSNN) – South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit will tour Juba tomorrow, Tuesday, to dispel rumours that he has been admitted to a Cairo hospital after he has allegedly be diagnosed with COVID-19, a presidency spokesman said.

“The president is very healthy and doing his work normally. I want to assure the public that the president is in Juba and healthy,” Ateny Wek, the presidential spokesman said in an interview with Radio Tamazuj.

“The president will appear tomorrow because he is scheduled to meet Muslim community leaders in Juba. So I can confirm that the president will appear,” Ateny added.

Several social media rumours have it that the South Sudanese head of state has been admitted to a hospital in the Egyptian capital Cairo for COVID-19 treatment.

Some have also suggested that Kiir has passed on but the government was covering up the issue to avoid public crisis.

A letter circulating on social media said Kiir has delegated his powers to Hussein Abdel Baggi Ayii, the vice-president on the ticket of South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA).

However, Ateny denied the authenticity of the letter saying Kiir was doing his work.

“The letter is fake and it illogical. If the president wants to delegate his powers, he cannot choose Hussein Abdelbagi from the opposition South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA). Also, the letter doesn’t have the seal of the republic and reference number,” Ateny said.