South Sudan has suspended access to social media for at least 30 days following violent riots sparked by videos of alleged killings of South Sudanese in Sudan. The suspension aims to prevent the incitement of further violence. At least 16 Sudanese nationals were killed during riots that resulted in looting of Sudanese-owned businesses. The Sudanese army has denounced the violence as individual violations.
In response to recent violence linked to videos of killings in Sudan, South Sudanese authorities have suspended access to social media platforms for a minimum of 30 days. This decision, communicated by Napolepon Adok, the Director General of the National Communications Authority, is intended to curtail the dissemination of content inciting further unrest. Internet service providers were informed to execute this block effective midnight on Wednesday.
The suspension will restrict access to platforms such as Facebook and TikTok for customers of major mobile operators, MTN South Sudan and Zain, potentially extending up to 90 days. This measure follows a surge in unrest last week, resulting in the deaths of at least 16 Sudanese nationals during riots in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, and various other locations.
Following the unrest, protests centered on reports of involvement by the Sudanese military in the killings, leading to retaliatory actions by local youths against Sudanese-owned businesses. Police confirmed widespread looting and vandalism of shops, as well as the destruction of homes belonging to Sudanese nationals as communities reacted to the violence.
The Sudanese armed forces have publicly condemned the actions, labeling them as “individual violations” occurring in the El Gezira region, underscoring the complex interplay of local and regional tensions that continue to affect stability in both nations.
The unrest in South Sudan is a direct consequence of escalating violence in neighboring Sudan, particularly in the El Gezira state. The social media video’s emergence and subsequent reactions have highlighted deep-seated tensions within South Sudanese society, exacerbated by the historical context of conflict between the two nations. Authorities aim to mitigate spreading violence through this temporary suspension of social media, a strategy often employed in regions experiencing civil unrest.
In conclusion, the suspension of social media in South Sudan reflects the government’s effort to manage the rising violence fueled by recent events in Sudan. By limiting access to platforms that propagate incendiary content, authorities hope to stabilize the situation. However, the underlying tensions and societal divisions remain significant challenges that necessitate further diplomatic and humanitarian efforts.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
