News

South Sudan shuts down social media amid mounting revenge attacks against Sudan nationals

The country's telecommunications regulator explained it had invoked the provisions of sections 9(G) (F) and 34 (6) of the National Communication Act, 2012

The South Sudanese government has announced the blockage of social media in reaction to mounting revenge violence targeting Sudan nationals.

The National Communication Authority (NCA) ordered a social media shutdown for three months effective yesterday night.

NCA said the decision came after the recent upheaval in Sudan, which has exposed the South Sudanese population to unprecedented levels of extreme violence through social media posts.

Last week, revenge protests erupted as the South Sudanese public targeted Sudanese businesses. It led to 19 deaths.

The country’s telecommunications regulator explained it had invoked the provisions of sections 9(G) (F) and 34 (6) of the National Communication Act, 2012.

“We formally request the blockage of these media sites for a minimum of 30 days. This directive may be lifted as soon as the situation is contained. The content depicted violates our local laws and poses significant threats to public safety and mental health, especially vulnerable groups.”

South Sudanese laws give sweeping powers to NCA to prevent publication, shut down a media outlet, or block access to internet sites that are deemed to be a security hazard for the country.

Such a blockade can last up to 90 days.

Major telecom companies, including MTN and Zain, announced their immediate implementation of the directive.

“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, TikTok, and their related messaging applications have been suspended for a maximum period of 90 days. As a result, MTN South Sudan users will not be able to access the aforementioned services via the MTN network,” MTN said in a statement.

See also  Kenyan extradited for trafficking rhino horns, elephant ivory

The ban has sparked widespread disapproval, however, among South Sudanese netizens, who have criticized the move as censorship and a violation of digital rights.

South Sudan’s internet infrastructure has in the past faced downturns.

In August 2021, South Sudan experienced an internet blackout that the government described as a technical hitch.

It lasted for 15 hours, leaving users unable to access Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, and other online platforms.

 

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button
error: Content is protected !!