South Sudan has banned social media for 30 to 90 days, citing unrest and the spread of violent footage. This decision has raised concerns among journalists about their ability to communicate with the public. The National Communication Authority indicated a potential lifting of the ban within 72 hours, but the situation remains tense amid ongoing curfews and unrest.
The authorities in South Sudan have placed a ban on social media amid increasing unrest within the country. The National Communication Authority mandated internet service providers to block access to all social media platforms for a minimum of 30 days, while possibly extending the period to 90 days. This action, taken on January 22, is intended to prevent the dissemination of footage related to violent incidents involving South Sudanese nationals in Sudan, which had led to protests and violence against Sudanese nationals in South Sudan. The imposition of a nighttime curfew on January 17 further underscores the tensions present in the region.
Two telecommunication providers, Zain South Sudan and MTN South Sudan, confirmed this ban on January 22 by notifying their users that access to platforms such as TikTok and Facebook would be blocked. As of January 23, some journalists and human rights defenders reported that these social media platforms remain inaccessible unless users utilize a virtual private network (VPN) to circumvent the restrictions. This predicament raises concerns regarding the ability of journalists like Mariak Bol, editor-in-chief of Hot in Juba, to reach their audiences effectively, given the technical barriers in place.
In an official communication, Napoleon Adok Gai, the director general of the National Communication Authority, indicated that the ban could potentially be lifted within a span of 72 hours. Nevertheless, the Information Minister of South Sudan, Michael Makuei, did not provide any comments when approached for further clarification regarding the situation. As internet access remains a vital component for news gathering, the Committee to Protect Journalists has appealed for the immediate restoration of social media access to guarantee reliable information circulation during this unstable period in South Sudan.
The recent decision by South Sudan’s government to block social media stems from escalating unrest triggered by violent incidents across its borders. Amid this turmoil, the authorities have aimed to prevent the spread of sensitive information that could further incite violence. Previous reports have linked social media to the dissemination of videos showing violence against South Sudanese nationals in Sudan, prompting fears of retaliation and public disorder inside South Sudan. The international community, including organizations focused on press freedom, has raised alarms regarding the implications of restricting social media access, especially during turbulent times when news coverage is critical. The background context reveals a worsening security climate in South Sudan, where civil unrest has been a recurring issue since the country gained independence in 2011. As protests emerge in response to incidents of violence, the government continues to grapple with maintaining order. The imposition of curfews and internet restrictions reflects a broader strategy to control information flow and manage potential civil dissent in light of an increasingly volatile environment.
In conclusion, the South Sudanese government’s decision to block social media is a reflection of heightened tensions in the region and a severe attempt to curb the spread of information during a crisis. As the situation remains fluid, it is essential to advocate for the restoration of internet access to ensure that freedom of expression and journalism can thrive. The actions taken by authorities may have long-lasting implications on the media landscape and public discourse in South Sudan.
Original Source: news.az
