JUBA, South Sudan — On Wednesday, authorities in South Sudan announced a directive requiring telecommunications companies to restrict access to social media platforms for a minimum of 30 days. This decision was made due to concerns about the circulation of disturbing content related to the violence currently impacting South Sudanese individuals in neighboring Sudan.
The ban, which may potentially be prolonged for up to 90 days, is set to take effect at midnight on Thursday. This information was conveyed through a notice from the National Communication Authority (NCA) to telecom providers, who were informed that the action is crucial for public safety.
The NCA indicated that the directive could be rescinded before the 30 days if the situation stabilizes. They emphasized that the materials circulating violate local laws and present a considerable threat to both public safety and mental well-being.
The South Sudanese populace has expressed discontent over video footage emerging from Sudan, allegedly showing militia groups committing violent acts against South Sudanese residents in Gezira state. In response to escalating tensions and violent episodes, authorities enforced a curfew from dusk to dawn that began on January 17, following an episode of retaliatory violence wherein shops owned by Sudanese traders were targeted and looted.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, the chairperson of the African Union Commission, denounced the “brutal killings of South Sudanese nationals” occurring in Sudan, urging all parties to exercise restraint amid the turmoil.
The ongoing civil war in Sudan has led to a severe famine situation and has become the largest displacement crisis globally. Hostilities between factions loyal to competing military leaders erupted in April 2023 in the capital, Khartoum, and have since extended to other regions.
The international community, including the United Nations and various human rights organizations, has documented numerous atrocities throughout this conflict, with reports of killings motivated by ethnic tensions and incidents of sexual violence.
