South Sudan Imposes Temporary Ban on Social Media Amid Violence Concerns in Sudan
Authorities block social media for public safety following graphic content related to violence against South Sudanese in neighboring Sudan.
JUBA, South Sudan: South Sudanese authorities have mandated a temporary suspension of social media access for a duration of at least 30 days.
This decision, announced on Wednesday by the National Communication Authority (NCA), aims to curb the spread of graphic content depicting violence against South Sudanese citizens in neighboring Sudan.
The directive is to be enforced by telecom companies starting midnight Thursday, and it may be extended up to 90 days, depending on circumstances.
The NCA emphasized the importance of this measure in shielding the public from content that contravenes local laws and endangers public safety and mental health.
The move comes in response to circulating footage purportedly showing the killing of South Sudanese in Sudan's Gezira state by militia groups, which has provoked widespread anger among South Sudanese residents.
In reaction to the unrest, South Sudanese authorities implemented a dusk-to-dawn curfew on January 17 following incidents of retaliatory violence, including the looting of shops owned by Sudanese traders.
These actions highlight the escalating tensions stemming from the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
The violence in Sudan, part of a broader civil war, has led to severe humanitarian crises, including famine and significant displacement.
Fighting intensified in April 2023 between factions loyal to different military leaders, originating in the capital, Khartoum, and expanding to other regions.
The United Nations and various human rights organizations have reported numerous instances of atrocities throughout the conflict, including ethnically motivated killings and rapes.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the African Union Commission, has publicly condemned the violent acts against South Sudanese nationals in Sudan, urging restraint from all parties involved.
This decision, announced on Wednesday by the National Communication Authority (NCA), aims to curb the spread of graphic content depicting violence against South Sudanese citizens in neighboring Sudan.
The directive is to be enforced by telecom companies starting midnight Thursday, and it may be extended up to 90 days, depending on circumstances.
The NCA emphasized the importance of this measure in shielding the public from content that contravenes local laws and endangers public safety and mental health.
The move comes in response to circulating footage purportedly showing the killing of South Sudanese in Sudan's Gezira state by militia groups, which has provoked widespread anger among South Sudanese residents.
In reaction to the unrest, South Sudanese authorities implemented a dusk-to-dawn curfew on January 17 following incidents of retaliatory violence, including the looting of shops owned by Sudanese traders.
These actions highlight the escalating tensions stemming from the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
The violence in Sudan, part of a broader civil war, has led to severe humanitarian crises, including famine and significant displacement.
Fighting intensified in April 2023 between factions loyal to different military leaders, originating in the capital, Khartoum, and expanding to other regions.
The United Nations and various human rights organizations have reported numerous instances of atrocities throughout the conflict, including ethnically motivated killings and rapes.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the African Union Commission, has publicly condemned the violent acts against South Sudanese nationals in Sudan, urging restraint from all parties involved.
