Fact-check: Did Putin ask President Kiir to apologise?

211 Check findings show that the viral videos are fake and digitally altered. They are satirical content intended for comedy.

By 211 Check Desk

Viral Tiktok videos in which Russian President Vladimir Putin is said to have asked South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir to apologise are satire.

Sharing two separate videos of some Indian news plates, social media users claim that South Sudan has condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine telling it to withdraw its forces immediately.

A separate video also claims that Russian President Vladimir Putin had warned South Sudan to stay away from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and that South Sudan’s President Kiir should apologise.

“The President of the Republic of South Sudan H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine. He warned Russia’s President Putin to withdraw his troops before it is too late,” partly reads the satirical news.

Investigation:

211 Check findings show that the viral videos are fake and digitally altered. They are satirical content intended for comedy. The videos were made using a sophisticated app or software.

The video clips are a mix from different events. One is during an Al Jazeera interview with President Salva Kiir years back.

It should also be noted that until the time of publishing this fact-check, South Sudan has not issued an official statement condemning the Russian attack on Ukraine.

Representatives of Western nations in South Sudan instead asked South Sudan to stand in solidarity with Ukraine according to a Monday report by Juba Echo

So, what did Putin say?

On 24 February 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine. He appeared for a televised address and declared a military operation that aims to ensure a demilitarisation of Ukraine

“I would like to say something very important for those who may be tempted to interfere in these developments from the outside. No matter who tries to stand in our way or all the more so create threats for our country and our people, they must know that Russia will respond immediately, and the consequences will be as you have never seen in your entire history,” Putin is quoted saying.

He did not specifically warn South Sudan. You can read his full speech here.

Conclusion:

Digitally altered videos claiming that Russian President Vladimir Putin is said to have asked South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir to apologise are satire.

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This fact-check has been produced as part of our incubation program under Code for Africa.