South Sudan has taken the drastic step of suspending access to popular social media platforms, including Facebook and TikTok, following violent riots and deadly revenge attacks that were triggered by videos showing the alleged killings of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan’s El Gezira state. The suspension, which is set to last for at least 30 days, was implemented after disturbing footage depicting the brutal violence spread rapidly across social media, inciting unrest in South Sudan. The suspension will affect users of mobile networks such as MTN South Sudan and Zain, leaving thousands unable to access social media platforms during a critical period of heightened tension.
The move to block social media access was outlined in a letter from Napoleon Adok, the director general of the National Communications Authority, to internet service providers. Adok stated that the suspension was a direct response to the “unprecedented levels of extreme violence” faced by South Sudanese citizens through social media posts. According to the letter, the government deemed it necessary to take action to prevent further exposure to the graphic content and to maintain order. The social media shutdown, which began at midnight on Wednesday, could last for up to 90 days, according to statements issued by the mobile companies.
In South Sudan, the circulation of the videos sparked intense anger and fear, leading to violence on the streets. Last week, riots erupted across the capital, Juba, and other cities, resulting in the deaths of at least 16 Sudanese nationals. South Sudanese citizens, mostly youth, launched attacks on Sudanese-owned shops, looted businesses, and burned homes in a violent response to the killings. The violence was fueled by the belief that Sudan’s military and allied groups were responsible for the deaths in El Gezira, further escalating the tensions between the two countries.
The Sudanese army has since condemned what it described as “individual violations” in El Gezira, calling the attacks an isolated incident. However, South Sudanese officials and citizens have expressed deep frustration over the situation. Isaac Anthony Lumori, a well-known South Sudanese musician and comedian, voiced concerns about the government’s decision to block social media. As an artist who relies heavily on social media for his work, Lumori expressed the difficulties that the suspension would create for those in creative industries. He emphasized the need for the South Sudanese government to find a balanced solution that would not hinder the work of artists and social media users while also addressing the violence sparked by the videos.
“The effect is a bit huge because as an artist, I depend so much on social media,” said Lumori, who is also known for his comedy shows. “My message to the government is to seek an amicable way of solving this issue, especially engaging the government of Sudan to make sure that their army does not misbehave to the extent of taking human life.” His call for peaceful dialogue reflects the broader sentiment among South Sudanese artists who feel the pain of losing access to their primary platforms for work, communication, and awareness.
While some in South Sudan have supported the government’s actions, viewing the suspension as a necessary step to restore order and prevent further violence, the decision has raised concerns about the broader implications for freedom of expression. Many have questioned whether the move is an overreach and whether the government could have implemented alternative solutions to address the violence without imposing such a wide-reaching ban.
The South Sudanese government is facing increasing pressure to address both the immediate security concerns stemming from the riots and the longer-term challenges related to the country’s relationship with Sudan. While both governments have called for calm, with Sudan’s army condemning the violence in El Gezira, the situation remains tense, and questions about accountability and peace persist.
In South Sudan, officials have continued to work on restoring peace and stability, but with a population that is already grappling with the consequences of years of internal conflict, such events threaten to further destabilize the country. The government’s decision to block social media may be a temporary measure to control the situation, but it also raises significant concerns about the balance between national security and individual freedoms in a country still recovering from decades of war.
As this situation develops, it is clear that South Sudan faces not only immediate challenges regarding violence and social unrest but also the ongoing task of fostering long-term peace and stability. With the social media suspension in place, the country is looking to manage a volatile situation, though the outcome of these measures remains uncertain.
