South Sudan Enforces 30-Day Social Media Access Limit
South Sudanese officials stated on Wednesday that telecommunications providers must restrict access to social media for at least 30 days.
This decision was made in response to concerns about the distribution of distressing content relating to the current violence against South Sudanese people in neighbouring Sudan.
The temporary limitation, which can be renewed for up to 90 days, went into force at midnight Thursday.
The National Communication Authority (NCA) issued an order to telecom operators stating that this step is critical to public safety.
“The ban could be lifted as soon as the situation stabilizes,” according to the NCA. “The materials being shared violate our local laws and represent a serious risk to public safety and mental well-being.”
The South Sudanese people has voiced concern over films from Sudan purportedly showing militia groups committing acts of brutality against South Sudanese in Gezira state.
In reaction to a night of retaliatory violence in which Sudanese traders’ stores were destroyed, South Sudanese authorities imposed a curfew from nightfall to dawn on January 17.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the African Union Commission, condemned the “brutal killings of South Sudanese nationals” in Sudan and urged moderation.
Sudan’s civil war has resulted in widespread starvation and the world’s worst displacement problem.
Fighting began in April 2023 in the capital, Khartoum, between factions loyal to competing military leaders and has since expanded to other areas.
The conflict has been characterized by horrific acts, including ethnically targeted killings and sexual violence, as reported by the U.N. and various human rights organizations.
