South Sudan Imposes 3-Month Social Media Ban
Nationwide suspension follows disturbing footage of attacks on South Sudanese refugees in Sudan
- Social media platforms blocked after violent videos spark riots in Juba and other regions
- National Communication Authority cites public safety and mental health as reasons for the ban
- Business owners fear economic fallout, criticizing the move as a violation of rights
South Sudan has instructed telecommunications companies to block access to social media platforms for up to three months, citing concerns over the spread of violent and graphic content linked to the ongoing conflict in neighboring Sudan.
The National Communication Authority (NCA), the country’s communications regulator, issued the directive to internet service providers and telecom operators, with the ban taking effect at midnight on Wednesday.
According to NCA Director General Napoleon Adok Gai, the decision aims to curb the exposure of South Sudanese citizens to disturbing social media content, including videos of violent attacks targeting refugees from South Sudan in Wad Madani, Sudan.
“These videos have triggered widespread distress and deadly riots, especially in Juba, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, and Warrap State, following reports of South Sudanese women and children being killed,” Gai explained in a statement from Juba. He added that such content violates local laws and endangers public safety, mental health, and vulnerable groups.
The violence sparked retaliatory riots in South Sudan, where angry mobs attacked Sudanese-owned businesses, looting and vandalizing shops in revenge for the killings.
While the NCA argues the suspension is essential to prevent further unrest, many South Sudanese have criticized the move as a violation of their rights. Business owners like Yar Mary, who relies on platforms like WhatsApp to connect with clients, fear the ban could cripple their livelihoods. “If this ban persists, my business will collapse,” she lamented.
Telecom giants MTN, Zain, and Digital have confirmed compliance with the order, blocking access to platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp. The NCA assured citizens the restrictions would last a minimum of 30 days and could be lifted sooner if the situation stabilizes. However, critics warn that the social media blackout may stifle communication and exacerbate economic challenges for online businesses.
