South Sudan authorities have suspended access to social media platforms access for 30 days following the circulation of videos depicting the killings of South Sudanese citizens in Sudan. The social media ban was implemented at midnight on Wednesday as a way to quell riots and prevent further violence sparked by the disturbing footage.
Mobile operators MTN South Sudan and Zain confirmed the suspension of access to these platforms, citing directives from authorities. A Reuters reporter in Juba independently verified the inaccessibility of Facebook and TikTok.
The violence erupted last week, leaving at least 16 Sudanese nationals dead. Rioters targeted businesses owned by Sudanese nationals, engaging in looting, vandalism, and arson in cities across South Sudan.
These acts of violence were reportedly in retaliation for the alleged involvement of the Sudanese military and allied groups in the killings in El Gezira. However, the Sudanese army has condemned these acts as “individual violations.”
The social media ban has drawn criticism from various sectors, including the artistic community. Isaac Anthony Lumori, a renowned South Sudanese musician known as Mc Lumoex, expressed concerns about the impact of the ban on his career. “As an artist, I heavily rely on social media platforms for my work,” he stated. “I urge the government to seek a peaceful resolution to this issue and engage with the Sudanese government to ensure that such tragic incidents are prevented in the future.”
