South Sudan Enforces Social Media Ban Amid Concerns of Violence

South Sudan has ordered a three-month suspension of social media to block the dissemination of graphic violence-related content concerning South Sudanese individuals in Sudan. The NCA justified the ban citing rising violence and the impact on public safety. While meant to safeguard citizens, the ban has faced criticism for potentially harming businesses reliant on social media communication.

South Sudan has mandated that telecom companies block access to social media for a period of three months due to concerns regarding the release of graphic content related to violence against South Sudanese individuals in Sudan. The National Communication Authority (NCA) has instructed all telecom providers to implement this ban effective immediately, commencing at midnight on Wednesday.

The NCA’s Director General, Napoleon Adok Gai, emphasized that this decision arose from recent violent events in Sudan, which have exposed South Sudanese citizens to disturbing levels of violence conveyed through social media. Reports indicated that South Sudanese refugees in Wad Madani were subjected to violent attacks, prompting the circulation of videos that instigated riots in several regions.

The violence, particularly affecting women and children, resulted in significant unrest in South Sudan, with riots erupting in Juba, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, and Warrap State, leading to attacks on Sudanese-owned businesses. In light of these developments, the NCA deemed the social media restrictions essential to mitigate further dissemination of such violent material and to protect public safety and mental well-being.

Telecom operators, such as MTN and Zain, have begun notifying their subscribers of this suspension. Online business owners, such as Yar Mary, have expressed concern about the detrimental impact of this ban on communication with clients, stating that continued restrictions could severely hinder her business operations.

The backdrop to South Sudan’s social media ban lies in the recent chaos in Sudan, where rising violence against South Sudanese has been documented and disseminated through social media platforms. The country has experienced a surge in violent acts towards its citizens, raising alarm over the potential psychological impact on the populace and the threat to public order. This measure reflects concerns over national security and public health amid ongoing instabilities in the region, particularly concerning the welfare of vulnerable groups.

In summary, South Sudan’s decision to suspend social media access stems from serious concerns over violence against its citizens in neighboring Sudan. This measure aims to prevent the proliferation of graphic content that poses risks to public safety and mental health. While the block is intended for public interest, it has already raised concerns among local businesses reliant on social media for communication and operations. The situation remains dynamic, with the NCA indicating that the suspension may be lifted sooner if conditions improve.

Original Source: english.news.cn