South Sudan has lifted its ban on Facebook and TikTok after graphic content related to violence was removed. The National Communications Authority underscored the importance of addressing online incitement while protecting citizens’ rights. This decision follows reports of ethnically targeted attacks in Sudan, with the Sudanese army condemning individual violations captured on video.
South Sudan has reversed its temporary ban on Facebook and TikTok, which was enacted last week in response to online videos depicting alleged killings of South Sudanese citizens in Sudan. The National Communications Authority confirmed in a letter dated January 27 that the graphic content linked to recent violent protests and retaliatory actions had been removed from these social media platforms, leading to the lifting of the ban.
Napoleon Adok Gai, director of the National Communications Authority, emphasized that the rise in violence associated with social media necessitates a balanced strategy. This strategy should address the underlying causes of online incitement while safeguarding the rights of citizens. The lifting of the ban occurs in a volatile context marked by civil unrest and social media influence on public sentiment.
Earlier incidents saw the Sudanese army and its allies accused by rights groups of conducting ethnically motivated attacks on civilians in El Gezira, Sudan. These attacks reportedly followed the army’s recapture of the city of Wad Madani from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The Sudanese army has since denounced these actions, describing them as “individual violations” captured and disseminated via video on social media.
The recent decisions in South Sudan concerning social media reflect broader tensions in the region, notably stemming from the conflict in Sudan. The circulation of distressing content relating to violence and alleged human rights violations has raised concerns about the impact of social media on public safety and order. In this context, authorities are tasked with addressing both the instigators of violence and the medium through which information is shared, balancing the need for security with freedom of expression.
In summary, South Sudan’s decision to lift the ban on Facebook and TikTok underscores the delicate balance between maintaining public order and protecting civil liberties. As violence continues to pose threats in the region, authorities are reminded of their responsibility to foster a safer and more informed environment for their citizens. This incident highlights the need for ongoing dialogue about the role of social media in conflict situations and its implications for governance.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
