The South Sudan government has ordered the suspension of all social media platforms, including Facebook and TikTok, for 30 days due to concerns over violent content circulating online.
In a statement, the South Sudan National Communication Authority (NCA) raised alarms over disturbing images and videos depicting violence against South Sudanese living in Sudan.
“This is culminating from the recent upheaval in Sudan that has exposed the South Sudanese population to unprecedented levels of extreme violence through social media posts,” stated NCA Director Napoleon Adok.
The move follows the circulation of a viral video showing violent attacks on South Sudanese refugees in Wēd Medan, Sudan, leading to the deaths of women and children. The NCA said the suspension, effective from midnight Thursday, was imposed under national laws, citing threats to public safety. The ban may be extended to 90 days if the situation remains unresolved.
The directive has sparked concern among social media users, but major telecommunication companies in South Sudan have confirmed compliance with the order. “MTN South Sudan wishes to inform its esteemed customers that following a directive received by the telecom industry, access and usage, direct or otherwise, of Facebook application, Facebook web, TikTok application, and TikTok web and their related messaging applications have been suspended for a maximum period of 90 days,” said MTN in a statement.
This is not the first instance of internet disruption in South Sudan. In August 2021, the country experienced a 15-hour internet blackout, which authorities attributed to technical issues.
For further inquiries, please contact: Gideon Njoroge
About NCA The National Communication Authority (NCA) is responsible for regulating and overseeing the communication sector in South Sudan, ensuring compliance with national laws and promoting public safety.
