South Sudan has suspended access to social media for at least 30 days due to riots fueled by violent videos from Sudan’s El Gezira state. The decision was announced by Napoleon Adok, aiming to mitigate the violence that resulted in deaths and destruction in South Sudan. Prominent figures have called for peaceful resolution to the unrest.
In response to ongoing unrest stemming from severe violence in Sudan, South Sudanese authorities have decided to suspend access to social media platforms for a minimum of 30 days. This measure follows the circulation of distressing videos purportedly showing the murders of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan’s El Gezira state, which incited riots and retaliatory attacks within South Sudan.
Napoleon Adok, the director general of the National Communications Authority, confirmed the suspension in a letter addressed to internet service providers. He articulated that the decision was influenced by the extreme levels of violence that South Sudanese citizens have been exposed to via social media, highlighting the role of these platforms in escalating tensions.
Key mobile operators in South Sudan, including MTN South Sudan and Zain, have also announced that access to social media sites such as Facebook and TikTok would be restricted for up to 90 days. Users have already reported being unable to reach these platforms, and the total impact of this suspension has begun to unfold.
Following the unrest, reports indicated that at least 16 Sudanese nationals had been killed during riots particularly in Juba and other cities. The violence, seen as a response to accusations against the Sudanese military regarding the El Gezira killings, sparked widespread looting of businesses owned by Sudanese citizens and destruction of property.
The Sudanese army has publicly condemned the violent events in El Gezira, dismissing them as “individual violations.” Nonetheless, the ramifications of the social media suspension have triggered concern among South Sudanese citizens; notably, Isaac Anthony Lumori, a prominent musician, has called for dialogue with the Sudanese government as a means to resolve the conflict peacefully and prevent further casualties.
Recent events in Sudan, particularly in El Gezira state, have led to significant violence, prompting reactions in South Sudan. Social media platforms played a crucial role in disseminating information about these events, which, in turn, resulted in violent retaliatory responses from the South Sudanese population. The government’s decision to limit access to these platforms marks a critical step in addressing the ongoing unrest and safeguarding public order.
The suspension of social media in South Sudan highlights the delicate nature of information dissemination during crises. Authorities aim to curb the spread of violence by blocking platforms that have fueled unrest following violent incidents in Sudan. While this measure intends to restore order, it raises concerns about freedom of expression and the need for peaceful negotiations to resolve underlying issues between South Sudan and Sudan.
Original Source: www.inkl.com
