South Sudan has imposed a suspension on access to social media platforms for at least 30 days following the circulation of videos allegedly showing the killing of South Sudanese individuals in Sudan’s El Gezira state. These videos sparked riots and violent acts of retaliation, resulting in loss of life.
Napoleon Adok, the director general of the National Communications Authority, announced the measure in a letter addressed to internet service providers on Wednesday. He stated that the decision aimed to address the fallout from the recent events in Sudan, which he described as exposing South Sudanese citizens to extreme violence through social media content.
The restriction, which came into effect at midnight, means customers of mobile operators such as MTN South Sudan and Zain will be unable to use platforms like Facebook and TikTok for a period of up to 90 days, as detailed in statements from the companies issued on the same day.
At least 16 Sudanese nationals lost their lives in South Sudan last week during riots in the capital, Juba, and other locations across the country. According to police, groups of young people looted shops owned by Sudanese nationals, vandalized properties, and set several homes on fire. These acts were in response to perceived involvement by Sudan’s military and allied groups in the killings in El Gezira.
The Sudanese army has publicly condemned what it referred to as “individual violations” in El Gezira.
Local artist and comedian Isaac Anthony Lumori, also known as Mc Lumoex, expressed concern about the impact of the social media ban. “The effect is a bit huge because as an artist, I depend so much on social media,” he told Reuters.
He urged the South Sudanese government to engage with Sudanese authorities to address the issue diplomatically and ensure that Sudan’s military refrains from actions leading to further loss of life.
