South Sudan has temporarily suspended social media access for at least 30 days due to videos showing violence linked to killings in Sudan. The government aims to quell riots and retaliatory actions following these events. Major operators confirmed that platforms such as Facebook and TikTok will be inaccessible during this period, reflecting the ongoing unrest and the state’s efforts to restore order.
The government of South Sudan has announced a suspension of access to various social media platforms for a duration of at least 30 days. This measure was prompted by the circulation of distressing videos purportedly showing the killings of South Sudanese individuals in El Gezira, Sudan, which have incited riots and deadly acts of revenge. The suspension aims to mitigate the spread of violence related to the unrest.
Napoleon Adok, the Director General of the National Communications Authority, communicated the suspension in a formal letter to internet service providers. Adok indicated that the recent violent events in Sudan have exposed the South Sudanese populace to severe levels of brutality broadcasted through social media. Consequently, the government deemed it necessary to impose this measure to restore public order.
Mobile telecommunications companies, including MTN South Sudan and Zain, have confirmed the restriction on platforms such as Facebook and TikTok, which could last up to 90 days. Following the implementation of the ban, users in the capital city of Juba reported an inability to access these services. The romantic intertwinement of ethnic and national tensions has exacerbated the situation significantly.
The violence, associated with alleged killings in El Gezira, has resulted in the deaths of at least 16 Sudanese nationals during confrontations in Juba and surrounding regions. Youths have engaged in looting and vandalizing businesses owned by Sudanese individuals, as well as setting ablaze homes, viewing these actions as necessary retaliation against perceived aggressions from Sudan’s military forces.
In response to the turmoil, the Sudanese army has condemned the incidents in El Gezira, labeling them as “individual violations.” The social media suspension is believed to have extensive repercussions on public discourse, with influential figures, such as Isaac Anthony Lumori, a prominent South Sudanese musician, vocalizing their apprehensions regarding the limits placed on communication. Lumori has advocated for a diplomatic resolution to avert further casualties and disruptions.
The recent decision to suspend social media access in South Sudan stems from escalating violence attributed to videos circulated online that depict violent incidents involving South Sudanese individuals in Sudan. The unrest has sparked riots, leading to fatalities and significant destruction. The government’s resolution is an attempt to control the spread of information that may incite further violence and retaliation among the populace.
In summary, the South Sudanese government’s suspension of social media access represents a drastic response to the violence stemming from events in El Gezira. The action, aimed at maintaining public order, highlights the intersection of communication and unrest. Engaging with the Sudanese government may be pivotal in resolving underlying tensions and preventing the loss of life moving forward.
Original Source: www.inkl.com
