30-day social media access limit enforced in South Sudan
3 min read
People gather at a gas station where they can charge their mobile phones in Merowe, Sudan, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. Marwan Ali - stringer, ASSOCIATED PRESS Facebook Twitter Email Print Copy article link Save
South Sudanese officials have announced that social media access will be restricted for at least 30 days, starting at midnight on Thursday. The move comes in response to concerns over the spread of disturbing content related to the ongoing violence in neighboring Sudan, which has affected South Sudanese individuals. This restriction could be extended for up to 90 days if necessary, as telecommunications companies have been directed by the National Communication Authority (NCA) to implement the temporary ban.
According to the NCA, the restriction is intended to protect public safety and prevent harmful material from circulating. The authority also stated that the ban could be lifted once the situation stabilizes. The content in question, shared widely on social media platforms, allegedly depicts militia groups in Sudan committing violent acts against South Sudanese people in Gezira state, heightening tensions between the two nations.
In response to the disturbing images, there have been protests and incidents of retaliatory violence in South Sudan, including attacks on Sudanese-owned businesses. This led South Sudanese authorities to impose a nationwide curfew, which began on January 17 and runs from dusk to dawn. The curfew is aimed at preventing further violence in the wake of these tensions, which have been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the African Union Commission, condemned the “brutal killings of South Sudanese nationals” in Sudan and urged all parties to exercise restraint. The conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023 between factions loyal to rival military leaders, has escalated into a devastating civil war. The violence has resulted in widespread displacement and famine, creating one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world.
The war in Sudan has been marked by extreme brutality, including ethnically targeted killings, sexual violence, and the displacement of millions of people. The United Nations and various human rights organizations have documented numerous atrocities, including the targeting of civilians based on their ethnic and political affiliations. South Sudan, which shares a border with Sudan, has felt the impact of the conflict, with a significant number of refugees fleeing into South Sudan from Sudan.
The South Sudanese government has expressed concerns that the graphic content being shared on social media could incite further violence or distress among the population. The decision to limit social media access comes as part of broader efforts to manage the volatile situation and reduce the spread of inflammatory material. The NCA highlighted the risks posed by the content, noting that it violates local laws and could have a severe impact on public safety and mental health.
Although the social media ban is intended to be temporary, the South Sudanese government has warned that it may need to be extended if the security situation does not improve. The restriction applies to all social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp, which have been widely used to share videos and images of the violence in Sudan. While some South Sudanese citizens have expressed frustration over the government’s decision, others support the action, viewing it as necessary to prevent further chaos.
The South Sudanese government’s decision to restrict social media access comes amid a broader pattern of government responses to unrest and violence. The curfew and the social media ban reflect ongoing concerns about stability in South Sudan, where tensions between different ethnic groups and political factions have often led to violence. Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has faced significant challenges, including internal conflicts and a fragile political system.
The conflict in Sudan, which shows no signs of ending soon, has further complicated the situation for South Sudan. With millions displaced and humanitarian conditions worsening, the violence has the potential to destabilize the entire region. The United Nations and international organizations have called for increased aid and support for the refugees and displaced persons fleeing Sudan. South Sudan, which has its own ongoing challenges, is struggling to cope with the influx of refugees while also addressing the internal issues it faces.
As the violence in Sudan continues to escalate, South Sudan’s government is focused on maintaining control and preventing further instability. The imposition of a curfew, the social media ban, and other measures are part of the country’s efforts to protect its citizens from the fallout of the conflict. However, the long-term effects of these actions remain uncertain, and the situation could continue to evolve as the political and security environment in the region changes.
About The Author
