South Sudan has told internet providers to block social media sites like Facebook and TikTok for up to 90 days.
In a directive issued on Wednesday, January 22, the National Communication Authority (NCA) said the move was in response to violent content spreading on social media. These posts were linked to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which borders South Sudan to the north.
“This is culminating from the recent upheaval in Sudan that has exposed the South Sudanese population to unprecedented levels of extreme violence through social media posts.” said NCA director Napoleon Adok Gai in the directive. He explained that videos shared online showed attacks on South Sudanese refugees in Wēd Medan, a town in Sudan. The attacks killed women and children, with the graphic footage circulating widely on social platforms.
Gai said the decision, effective from midnight on January 22, was made under the National Communication Act of 2012. He pointed out that the content violated South Sudan’s laws and threatened public safety and mental health, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Telecom companies, including MTN South Sudan and Zain South Sudan, confirmed they’re complying with the order.
MTN South Sudan released a statement saying, “Access to Facebook, TikTok, and their related apps and websites has been suspended for a maximum period of 90 days.” They apologized for the inconvenience and reminded customers the directive came from the government.
”MTN South Sudan wishes to inform its esteemed customers that following a directive received by the telecom industry, access and usage, direct or otherwise, of Facebook application, Facebook web, TikTok application, and TikTok web and their related messaging applications have been suspended for a maximum period of 90 days”.
Zain South Sudan echoed the message, saying they had also followed the government’s instructions.
This decision highlights the government’s concern over the impact of violent social media content on its population, but it also raises questions about internet freedoms in South Sudan.
