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Claim: Alex CDCIAN General, a Facebook user, posted in Local News Liberia, a private Facebook group alleging that the President of the Republic of Liberia, Joseph Boakai, has died.
Verdict: False! Presidential Press Secretary Kula V. Fofana confirmed to DUBAWA that the President is alive.
Full Text
Joseph Boakai’s ascendancy to the Presidency has been met with negative reactions from the opposition due to his alleged poor health condition and age factor. During the 2023 general campaign in which he defeated President George Weah, it was claimed that the President had a slim chance of completing his tenure based on his condition. Matters became worse when news broke out that he had fainted during his inaugural speech. The incident was reported by the BBC and other newspapers.
On Nov. 3, 2024, Alex CDCIAN General posted in a private Facebook group claiming the President had died. He didn’t state what caused it and when he died.
“JNB is dead,” the poster said.
Screenshot of post below
The claim generated 102 comments and 15 reactions during this writing.
Commenters were divided on the matter. Some referred to it as a distraction, whilst others said it was disinformation.
The mixed reactions led DUBAWA to initiate a fact-check.
Verification
DUBAWA contacted the Presidential Press Secretary, Madam Kula V. Fofana. She dismissed the claim as untrue and ridiculous and only intended to misinform the public.
“This is ridiculous. I’m here at the house, it’s a lie, Laymah,” she said.
Also, further verification shows that the President was at work on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, and signed a book of condolence for Ex-Senator Sumo Kupee of Lofa County.
The Executive Mansion, the official media page for the President, reported the activity here.
Conclusion
Based on our findings, President Joseph Boakai is not dead.
