South Sudan denies claims information minister threatened to kill protesters

JUBA — South Sudan on Friday denied social media claims that Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth had downplayed the reported killings of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan’s Al Jazira state and threatened to kill protesters demonstrating in Juba and other cities.

Videos widely shared online this week appeared to show members of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and allied groups executing civilians by gunfire and slaughter in various parts of Al Jazira. The violence followed the SAF’s recapture of Wad Madani, the state capital, from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which had controlled the city since December 2023.

Among the victims were South Sudanese nationals allegedly killed in farmlands east and west of Wad Madani by militias from the Popular Resistance and the Sudan Shield Forces. These groups are led by former RSF commander Abu Aqla Keikel, who is now aligned with the SAF in the ongoing conflict.

The graphic videos sparked outrage in South Sudan, prompting protests in Juba and other cities, including Bor, Wau, and Malakal. Demonstrators targeted Sudanese-owned businesses and nationals.

A statement circulated online, attributed to Makuei, claimed South Sudan would not go to war over the deaths of 29 citizens and allegedly threatened to kill protesters.

“You might have seen videos circulating online that SAF killed 29 South Sudanese. What were they doing in Sudan anyway? We cannot go to war because of 29 men. If you protest in Juba, we will add you to the list as their number 30,” read a poster featuring Makuei’s image, reviewed by Sudans Post.

In response, the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology, and Postal Services issued a statement dismissing the claims as false and urged the public to ignore the misinformation.

“This is to inform the public that the information circulating on Social Media Platforms purported to have been Hon. Michael Makuei Lueth, Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services’ statement is false, and we urge the general public to disregard this negative propaganda,” the statement said.

The ministry clarified that Makuei has been abroad for medical treatment since January 9 and has not issued any statements to media outlets. It called on the public to verify information before sharing it.

“It is worth mentioning that the Honorable Minister has been out of the country for treatment since 9th January 2025 to date and has not made any statement to any media outlet. We advise the public to be cautious and analyze any information critically,” the statement added.