The government of South Sudan has suspended access to social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok across the country for a minimum of 30 days. This follows the widespread violent video content circulating online depicting violence against South Sudanese living in Sudan.
In a statement on Wednesday, the South Sudan National Communication Authority (NCA), directed telecom operators to block access to social media for 30 days. The action will be implemented on Thursday at midnight.
The move, which has attracted several criticisms, follows the circulation of the alleged killings of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan’s El Gezira state triggered riots and deadly revenge attacks. The viral contents also showed violent attacks on South Sudanese refugees in Wēd Medan, Sudan, leading to the deaths of women and children.
In a letter written by Napoleon Adok, Director General of the National Communications Authority, he directed all internet service providers in the country to suspend their services following exposure to violent content on their platforms.
“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,” Adok wrote.
According to the NCA, the videos depicted brutal attacks on women and children, adding that they contravene Sections (9)(g)(i) and 34(6) of the country’s National Communications Act 2012.
Citing security reasons, the NCA said the suspension was imposed under national laws, citing threats to public safety. It added that the ban may be extended to 90 days if the issues are unsolved.
“The directive may be lifted as soon as the situation is contained,” the regulator said.
Amidst the action which has sparked concern among social media users, major telecommunication companies in South Sudan such as MTN South Sudan and Zain have confirmed compliance with the order.
“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,” said MTN in a statement.
This isn’t the first time internet disruption has happened in South Sudan. In August 2021, the country experienced a 15-hour internet blackout, which the authorities registered as a technical issue.
South Sudan’s riot
After the killings of 16 Sudanese nationals last week, riots erupted in South Sudan’s capital Juba, and elsewhere in the country on Thursday and Friday. The protesters were angry about what they believed was the involvement of Sudan’s military and allied groups in the killings in El Gezira.
According to the Police, youths in several cities looted and vandalized shops owned by Sudanese nationals and burned several homes in retaliation for the killings attributed to the military.
In its response, the Sudanese army condemned what it called “individual violations” in El Gezira. In a statement by the South Sudan’s military reported by Reuters, about 24 suspects have been arrested and charges will be filed once investigations are complete.
Later on Friday, the government imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew, which is still in force.
Earlier this week, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat condemned the killing of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan, calling for immediate action.
Social Media Restrictions in Africa
On a large note, social media restriction is a tool many African governments use during elections and protests.
According to a report by an online activity tracker Surfshark, 30 African countries have restricted social media access between 2015 and 2021, out of a total of 66 globally. “The practice of limiting social media access is usually the product of anti-democratic governments seeking to suppress citizens’ freedom,” the tracker says.
According to the tracker, at least 16 African countries have restricted social media access in the past due to elections and at least seven have done so due to protests and demonstrations. The report described Africa as a volatile environment for social media.
In 2024, Global Internet Observatory, Netblocks reported major internet disruptions in Kenya amid a youth-led and social media-fueled protest.
The demonstrations, owing to a finance bill, involved the circulation of live videos. Police in the country also fired tear gas, rubber bullets, and water canisters to disperse protesters in the capital, Nairobi.
Though the country pledged not to shut down the internet in the country but made attempts to regulate social media platforms.
Also Read: Is Kenya trying to regulate social media after the 2024 protests?.
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