South Sudan’s government on Thursday denied that President Salva Kiir had died, following online speculation.

The long-serving 73-year-old leader has long been dogged by rumours of ill-health.

But he has been pictured in recent months meeting visiting dignitaries and ordering a series of dramatic government reshuffles.

He has also moved decisively against his long-time rival, and the current first vice-president, Riek Machar, placing him under house arrest and detaining several of his allies.

Late Wednesday, reports began emerging on social media claiming that Kiir had, in the words of one Kenyan personality, “kicked the bucket”.

South Sudan’s foreign ministry issued a statement the following day, saying it “categorically and strongly denies the false and malicious reports circulating on social media claiming that His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit has passed away”.

The posts were “entirely baseless and irresponsible rumours fabricated by enemies of peace, development, nation building and stability”, it added.

It comes as South Sudan faces another bout of insecurity, with clashes between forces aligned with Kiir and Machar breaking out in several areas around the country, raising fears of renewed civil war.