S. Sudan president Salva Kiir says death “has no friend, even 1”

JUBA – President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has said that death “has no friend” after a week of speculations that he has died of the coronavirus disease also known as COVID-19.

“I have just called for this press briefing to come and update you on status of COVID-19 and the operational challenges that have been posed by the pandemic. There is a serious need to remain cautious and observe health guidelines set out by the Ministry of Health in order to control the spread of the pandemic,” the South Sudan president said.

“The whole world is struggling to contain the pandemic and South Sudan should be extra cautious in ensuring that we do not reach the levels we have seen in other countries. Our Health system may not be able to withstand overwhelming emergencies we have witnessed in other countries if things get worse. The Ministry of Health together with the National Task Force on COVID-19 has been tirelessly working around the clock to continue testing despite their limited operational capacity.” Kiir added.

“We now have over 600 active cases of COVID-19 and if we are not careful enough, then such numbers will shoot up and we will be in very deplorable state as country to contain it. Your government has been reaching out to friendly countries, though struggling with their own, to assist in any way possible with protective health equipment as we combat this pandemic.

“I am once again urging all the citizens specially those residing in densely populated areas like cities and towns to keenly observe the rules of social distancing, wearing of face masks and regular hand washing. Please stay at home instead of congregating at tea stalls throughout the day. This is where the virus spread and by staying home, you would have assisted in controlling the spread of the virus. Your leadership of the country is observing this seriously. You have heard that some of our colleagues in the government have been tested positive of COVID-19 and they have adherently quarantined themselves. We also want you to do the same even if you are not infected.

“Lastly, I want to urge all of you to refocus your energies to the fight against Coronavirus pandemic and leave futile politicking and helpless propaganda for now. The disease we are fighting does not differentiate whether this is a Muslim or Christian, Dinka or Acholi, SPLM or SPLM-IO and therefore this is the unforgiving monster in the room. There has never been any reassignment of duties of the President. The Public should not delve into propaganda,” President Salva Kiir further concluded.