South Sudan Imposes Social Media Suspension Amid Violence Following Unrest
South Sudan has suspended access to social media for 30 days due to videos showing violence in Sudan, leading to riots and retaliatory acts against Sudanese nationals. The decision aims to address extreme violence and its consequences, confirmed by mobile operators. Prominent figures have called for peaceful resolution to prevent further loss of life.
The authorities of South Sudan have enacted a suspension of access to multiple social media platforms for at least 30 days due to unrest prompted by disturbing videos depicting violent acts against South Sudanese nationals in Sudan’s El Gezira state. This decision aims to quell the resulting riots and retaliatory violence in South Sudan, leading to fatalities and extensive property damage.
Napoleon Adok, the director general of the National Communications Authority, communicated this decision in a letter to internet service providers, emphasizing the unprecedented exposure of the South Sudanese populace to extreme violence via these platforms. Major operators like MTN and Zain have confirmed that access to platforms such as Facebook and TikTok will be restricted for up to 90 days.
Since the suspension was enforced, reports from Juba have indicated that individuals cannot access certain social media platforms. The violence, which stemmed from the alleged killings in El Gezira, has resulted in the deaths of at least 16 Sudanese nationals and fostered widespread looting and vandalism against Sudanese-owned establishments across South Sudan.
In response to the violence, the Sudanese army has denounced the actions in El Gezira as isolated incidents. Concerns about the suspension have been voiced by prominent individuals such as Isaac Anthony Lumori, a well-known South Sudanese musician, who called for peaceful dialogue with the Sudanese government to avert further loss of life.
The decision to suspend social media access in South Sudan follows escalating tensions and violence fueled by graphic content circulated online regarding violence against South Sudanese nationals in Sudan. This reaction highlights the impact of social media on societal unrest, particularly in a volatile region where communication can rapidly ignite public outrage. Understanding the interplay of these factors is crucial to grasping the broader implications of the ongoing conflict.
The temporary suspension of social media access in South Sudan reflects the government’s effort to mitigate escalating violence linked to graphic online content. With at least 16 lives lost and significant property damage reported, the situation underscores the gravity of social tensions between South Sudanese and Sudanese nationals. The call for peaceful discourse indicates a need for resolution amid a backdrop of unrest and retaliatory actions.
Original Source: www.inkl.com
