South Sudan has suspended social media access for three months due to the dissemination of violent content related to attacks on its citizens in Sudan. The decision follows extreme violence against South Sudanese refugees, which led to riots and calls for retaliation within South Sudan. The ban has faced criticism from citizens, who fear negative impacts on communication and business operations.
South Sudan has implemented a three-month suspension of social media access in response to the dissemination of graphic content related to violent attacks against South Sudanese individuals in Sudan. The National Communication Authority (NCA), which regulates telecommunications in the country, mandated all internet service providers to enforce this suspension starting at midnight on Wednesday. NCA Director General, Napoleon Adok Gai, stated that the turmoil in Sudan had led to South Sudanese citizens witnessing extreme violence through social media.
This action is primarily motivated by a recent incident in Wad Madani city, Sudan, where South Sudanese refugees were violently attacked, resulting in numerous fatalities. Videos depicting these brutal incidents were circulated online, inciting outrage within South Sudan and leading to significant riots across the capital, Juba, and other regions, as citizens sought to retaliate against Sudanese-owned businesses.
The NCA underscored the necessity of this social media blockage in preventing the further spread of violent imagery that violates local laws and endangers public health and safety, particularly among vulnerable populations. Telecom operators, including MTN and Zain, have communicated the cessation of access to social media services to their subscribers, following the NCA’s directive.
Despite the government’s rationale, the ban has drawn criticism from many South Sudanese citizens, who assert that this measure infringes upon their rights. Yar Mary, a local entrepreneur, expressed significant concern regarding the negative impact of the social media suspension on her business operations, highlighting the importance of platforms like WhatsApp for communication with clients.
The NCA has stated that the ban will last for at least 30 days, but it could be lifted earlier if the situation stabilizes. This decision reflects a delicate balance between maintaining public safety and preserving citizens’ freedoms.
This recent development in South Sudan arises from increasing violence faced by South Sudanese refugees in Sudan, particularly in Wad Madani. With social media acting as a conduit for sharing distressing images and information regarding these violent incidents, the South Sudanese government deemed it necessary to halt access in order to mitigate further unrest caused by such graphic content. The reaction of the populace, including violent riots, emphasizes the deep-seated tensions related to the ongoing crisis affecting both nations.
In summary, South Sudan’s suspension of social media for three months aims to control the flow of graphic content linked to violence in Sudan, which has incited national outrage and riots. While the government cites public safety as the primary justification, this action has sparked considerable backlash from citizens concerned about the impact on their freedoms and business communications. The situation remains fluid, with the NCA indicating that the ban could be lifted if stability is restored.
Original Source: news.az
