South Sudan has imposed a ban on social media platforms for 30 to 90 days in response to unrest, prompting condemnation from the Committee to Protect Journalists. This measure restricts journalists’ abilities to report effectively, as many resort to using VPNs to share information while facing uncertainty about audience accessibility. The situation is compounded by a curfew in the capital, Juba, implemented to address national unrest.
South Sudanese authorities have blocked access to social media platforms following recent unrest, prompting criticism from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) due to concerns over press freedom. On January 22, the National Communication Authority ordered internet service providers to suspend access for a period of 30 to 90 days, citing the need to curtail the dissemination of videos depicting violence related to protests.
The directive is aimed at controlling the narrative surrounding violent protests linked to the killings of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan, which have led to retaliatory actions against Sudanese individuals in South Sudan. CPJ condemned the government’s actions as excessive censorship that undermines journalists’ ability to operate effectively and deprives the public of varied news sources.
In the wake of the ban, journalists have turned to virtual private networks (VPNs) to continue reporting on events, although many are uncertain if their audiences can access their content. Mariak Bol, editor-in-chief of the news site Hot in Juba, expressed concern, stating, “We journalists are using VPNs to work. What we don’t know is whether our audience is receiving [our news].”
The social media shutdown is part of a broader effort to maintain order, which includes a curfew from dusk to dawn implemented in Juba starting January 17. The director general of the National Communication Authority, Napoleon Adok Gai, indicated during a briefing that the ban may be lifted within 72 hours, although no official announcement has confirmed this timeline.
The recent decision by South Sudan’s authorities to restrict social media access has raised significant alarm domestically and internationally regarding press freedom. These measures follow unrest sparked by violent incidents involving South Sudanese nationals, leading to protests and violence against Sudanese people. The media landscape in South Sudan has been challenging, and these restrictions further complicate journalists’ efforts to report accurately and freely on unfolding events.
In summary, the blocking of social media in South Sudan represents a troubling trend towards heightened censorship under the pretext of maintaining public order. The CPJ’s condemnation underscores the growing concerns regarding press freedom in the country. While authorities assert that the ban is a necessary measure to manage unrest, it poses significant challenges for journalists and restricts crucial public access to information and diverse viewpoints.
Original Source: punchng.com
