Concerns on the health of South Sudan President Salva Kiir have been raised following his recent struggle while addressing the 23rd East African Community (EAC) Summit on November 25,
The concerns came following a viral video seen by The Kenya Times showing the South Sudan head make basic verbal errors while recognizing other heads of state during the summit.
In the video President Salva Kiir seemed to be struggling reading his first ever speech as the new EAC chairman.
Further, just as he had begun reading the speech, Kiir was joined by the EAC Secretary General who would help him read his speech correctly.
The South Sudan head of state commenced his speech by acknowledging the Presidents present at the Summit.
Kiir Makes Blunder
However, he made a slip-up as he wrongfully recognized President Samia Suluhu as the President of Rwanda.
“Thank you very much, your Excellency Samia Suluhu, President of the United Republic of Rwanda,” Kiir stated.
Noting that he had made a mistake, the EAC Secretary General is seen in the viral video pointing out to the speech being read by Kiir who immediately makes amends.
Also Read: Nyong’o Issues Order to African Union Over Hamas
Additionally, the 72-year-old president continued with his maiden speech sating, “Your excellency Phelix Tshisekedi representing President of Uganda.”
Again, the EAC Sec Gen pointed out to Kiir noting that he had made another wrong reference, murmuring the words ‘Tshisekedi President of DRC’.
Salva Kiir is evidently heard struggling to utter words while delivering his speech.
Notably, the attending heads of states including President Ruto, could be seen in the video concerned at how the South Sudan President was struggling with his speech.
Salva Kiir’s Speech
In his maiden speech as the new EAC chair, Salva Kiir urged leaders of the regional bloc to collaborate in addressing challenges faced by the East African Community.
Additionally, Kiir went on to thank members of EAC for supporting the peace mission in South Sudan.
The Republic of South Sudan became Africa’s 54th country in July 2011 following a peaceful secession from Sudan.
Thereafter, Salva Kiir ascended to the throne becoming the country’s first president looking to steer the state toward the right direction.
Notably, South Sudan became a member of EAC which works to encourage trade among member states, in 2016.
Health Concerns
Back in December 2022, concerns were raised over Kiir’s health after a footage showed the president urinating on himself.
The footage, which showed Kiir completely unaware of what was happening to him during an official event, raised questions on Kiir’s ability to lead the country.
South Sudan Woes
Notably after the succession, South Sudan’s future looked bright with the hope of moving on from the history of over two decades of civil war.
Also Read: Sudan Post-Coup Talks Open to Holdout Groups: US Envoy
However, the country has not managed to move on from the war which has led to massive loss of life, destruction, and displacements.
Of note is that the war first broke in December 2013, following a political struggle between Kiir and the then vice president Riek Machar.
The struggle further led to Machar’s removal from office as violence erupted, followed by a series of power struggles.
As of 2023, the impact of a protracted crisis in South Sudan led to a humanitarian crisis.
Notably, over 9 million people were in need of humanitarian assistance, with the crisis resulting to over 3 million South Sudanese refugees.
