The South Sudanese government has suspended access to social media platforms for a minimum of 30 days, citing concerns that videos depicting the alleged killings of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan have fueled violent riots and deadly revenge attacks.
The suspension, which affects platforms such as Facebook and TikTok, was implemented at midnight on Wednesday, according to a directive issued by the National Communications Authority.
The government cited the recent upheaval in Sudan, where videos circulating on social media allegedly showed the involvement of the Sudanese military and allied groups in the killings of South Sudanese nationals in El Gezira state. These videos sparked widespread outrage in South Sudan, leading to riots, looting, and the destruction of property.
While the Sudanese army has condemned what it termed “individual violations,” the South Sudanese government has taken this drastic measure to prevent further escalation of violence and maintain public order.
The suspension of social media access has drawn criticism from some sectors of society, with concerns raised about freedom of expression and the potential impact on businesses and individuals who rely on these platforms for communication and economic activity.
This move highlights the delicate security situation in South Sudan and the government’s efforts to maintain stability amidst escalating tensions with its northern neighbor.