In response to deadly riots triggered by videos of alleged killings in Sudan, South Sudan has suspended access to social media for at least 30 days. The ban, announced by Napoleon Adok, aims to mitigate unrest following retaliatory violence against Sudanese nationals. Major operators will block platforms like Facebook and TikTok, impacting communication as citizens react to ongoing tensions.
The authorities in South Sudan have announced a suspension of access to social media platforms for at least 30 days, following violent protests triggered by videos depicting the alleged killings of South Sudanese citizens in Sudan’s El Gezira state. This decision, confirmed by Napoleon Adok, the director general of the National Communications Authority, aims to prevent the spread of content that incited recent riots and revenge attacks against Sudanese nationals in South Sudan.
Napoleon Adok formally notified internet service providers in a letter dated Wednesday regarding the social media ban. He highlighted the exposure of South Sudanese citizens to unprecedented violence through social media as a key factor in this decision. Major operators like MTN South Sudan and Zain have stated that users will be unable to access platforms such as Facebook and TikTok for a maximum of 90 days.
In the aftermath of the suspension, reports from Juba indicate that citizens cannot access Facebook or TikTok. The riots, sparked by the alleged killings in El Gezira, resulted in the deaths of at least 16 Sudanese individuals in South Sudan’s capital and other regions. Young people engaged in vandalism and looting of businesses owned by Sudanese, viewing these acts as retaliation against perceived military involvement in the killings.
The Sudanese military has condemned the violence as “individual violations,” distancing itself from the actions that led to the unrest. The social media ban has evoked reactions from public figures, including Isaac Anthony Lumori, a well-known South Sudanese musician, who expressed his concerns. He called for a peaceful resolution and suggested diplomatic engagement with the Sudanese government to address the underlying tensions and prevent further loss of life.
The recent decision by South Sudanese authorities to suspend social media access is a response to escalating violence triggered by content reflecting severe human rights abuses in neighboring Sudan. This has not only increased local tensions but has also led to considerable unrest within South Sudan, which has a history of conflict and social instability. The social media restrictions aim to quell further violence and misinformation, as the populace reacts to sensitive issues involving national identity and cross-border relations.
In summary, South Sudan has responded to rising violence by suspending access to social media platforms, citing the need to stem further unrest linked to violent incidents in Sudan. The move has significant implications for communications in the country and raises concerns among citizens and public figures alike. As tensions remain high, dialogue with the Sudanese government is essential to restoring peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.inkl.com
