By Jackson Gaaniko
Civil society activist Edmund Yakani has dismissed widespread social media claims alleging that he was arrested or abducted by security agents in Juba.
He described the reports as false and misleading.
in a statement to the media, Yakani, the Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), confirmed that he is safe and continuing with his normal activities.
He firmly denied any suggestion that he had been detained.
“There is no truth in the reports circulating online. I am safe and continuing with my duties,” Yakani said.
He raised concern over the rapid spread of unverified information on social media, warning that such claims can mislead the public and create unnecessary fear and tension within communities.
Yakani attributed the rumours to what he described as a deliberate misinformation campaign driven by “enemies of peace and stability,” who use digital platforms to spread propaganda and distort facts.
He noted that his long-standing advocacy against hate speech, fake news, and hostile narratives has often made him a target of false allegations.
“Fighting fake news, hate speech, and hostile propaganda comes with a cost. Those who stand for truth sometimes become targets of misinformation,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Yakani reaffirmed his commitment to continue advocating for good
governance, human rights, peacebuilding, and responsible information sharing in South Sudan.
He urged journalists, bloggers, and social media users to verify information before publishing or sharing it, emphasizing that misinformation can undermine peace efforts and destabilize communities.
Yakani stressed that responsible communication remains critical for national stability, particularly at a time when the country faces ongoing political and social sensitivities.
His remarks come amid growing concern over the increasing spread of fake news in South Sudan’s digital space, where unverified claims often circulate widely before being corrected.