South Sudan has suspended social media access for up to three months due to violence against its citizens in Sudan. The National Communication Authority ordered this directive to prevent the spread of graphic content showcasing brutal attacks. The ban has faced criticism for infringing on civil rights, while supporters believe it is necessary for public safety.
South Sudan has mandated telecommunication companies to block access to social media for a period of up to three months due to escalating violence against its citizens in Sudan. The National Communication Authority (NCA) implemented this directive to prevent the sharing of graphic content that has been linked to the violence occurring across the border. This action is effective as of midnight Wednesday, as announced by NCA Director General Napoleon Adok Gai.
The NCA cited a recent wave of violence against South Sudanese refugees in Wad Madani, Sudan, where brutal attacks resulted in significant loss of life, including women and children. Such incidents were reportedly disseminated widely on social media, contributing to heightened tension and unrest in South Sudan. The sharing of these disturbing images led to violent protests in several regions, prompting the NCA to act promptly.
In light of these developments, South Sudanese rioters targeted Sudanese-owned businesses, expressing their outrage over the killings depicted in the videos while seeking revenge. Gai stated that this social media ban is aimed at protecting public safety and mental health, especially for vulnerable groups affected by the traumatic visuals shared online.
Telecom operators, including MTN, Zain, and Digitel, have already informed their subscribers regarding the suspension of social media services. Nonetheless, the decision has faced backlash from various segments of the population, with critics deeming it a breach of citizens’ rights and freedoms. Yar Mary, an online business entrepreneur, expressed concern that such a ban would severely hinder her ability to communicate with clients through platforms like WhatsApp.
The recent suspension of social media in South Sudan stems from increasing violence against South Sudanese nationals in Sudan, particularly targeting refugees. Reports of violent attacks, including deaths among civilians, have been circulating widely on social media. The resultant graphic content led to public unrest and riots in South Sudan, prompting the necessity for a temporary social media ban to curb the dissemination of such materials and maintain public order.
In conclusion, South Sudan’s three-month social media suspension is a direct response to the violent events occurring in Sudan, which have severely affected its citizens. While intended to protect community welfare, this action has drawn significant criticism as a potential infringement on personal freedoms and rights. The balance between ensuring public safety and upholding individual rights remains a challenging issue for the country.
Original Source: news.az
