South Sudan has mandated a 30-day ban on social media to curb the spread of disturbing content related to violence against its citizens in Sudan. The restriction, which could extend to 90 days, is aimed at safeguarding public safety and mental health amid increasing unrest. Furthermore, the ongoing civil strife in Sudan continues to escalate humanitarian crises, necessitating urgent action from authorities.
South Sudanese authorities have implemented a temporary ban on social media access for a minimum of 30 days. This decision, effective Thursday at midnight, was made to address escalating concerns regarding the graphic content being shared, which relates to the violence targeting South Sudanese individuals in neighboring Sudan. The directive from the National Communication Authority (NCA) emphasizes that the ban will protect public safety and mental health.
In a move to maintain order, the NCA indicated that this temporary measure could potentially be extended to 90 days, depending on the evolving situation. Authorities have seen increasing public unrest related to disturbing footage depicting violence against South Sudanese people in Gezira state. In response to recent retaliatory violence, a curfew from dusk until dawn was implemented on January 17.
The African Union Commission’s chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, has condemned the violence and called for restraint amid what he termed the “brutal killings of South Sudanese nationals” in Sudan. The ongoing civil war in Sudan has exacerbated humanitarian crises, resulting in widespread famine and significant displacement.
Since the outbreak of hostilities in April 2023, fighting has persisted, leading to reports of ethnically motivated killings and sexual violence as highlighted by the United Nations and various human rights organizations. This dire situation necessitates urgent attention and coordinated responses from the international community.
The civil unrest in Sudan has deep historical roots, culminating in the recent escalation of violence that has significantly impacted neighboring South Sudan. The conflict, primarily driven by power struggles between rival military factions, has created an environment of fear and instability, resulting in a refugee crisis and humanitarian disasters. The need for stabilizing measures, including social media restrictions, underscores ongoing efforts to protect citizens and promote public safety amid distressing conditions.
The South Sudanese government’s decision to impose a temporary ban on social media is a direct response to the ongoing violence and graphic content related to attacks on South Sudanese citizens in Sudan. While the situation may evolve, authorities remain committed to ensuring public safety through these measures. The broader context of civil conflict in Sudan continues to have severe repercussions for regional stability and humanitarian conditions.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
