South Sudan has enacted a 30-day ban on social media following violent incidents against its citizens in Sudan. This measure aims to prevent the spread of hate speech and provocative images. The ban may last up to 90 days depending on the situation in Sudan. Ongoing conflicts between the SAF and RSF have resulted in serious humanitarian crises.
On Wednesday, South Sudan instituted a temporary ban on social media for a period of at least 30 days. This measure was enacted due to concerns regarding the dissemination of violent imagery depicting South Sudanese victims in Sudan. The National Communications Authority issued a directive to social media providers to curb hate speech and prevent incitement to violence. The ban may be extended to a maximum of 90 days, subject to the stabilization of the situation in Sudan.
The decision to impose this ban follows widespread protests and public outrage triggered by videos that displayed the killings of South Sudanese civilians in Sudan’s El Gezira state. These actions were allegedly perpetrated by the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), which has been accused by South Sudanese leaders of systematically targeting their nationals. Notably, Nathaniel Oyet, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, noted that these atrocities stem from the ongoing conflict between the SAF and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan.
The civil war in Sudan, which began in 2023, has been marked by violent confrontations between the SAF and RSF. This conflict has generated accusations of genocide and severe human rights violations by the RSF, leading to a grave humanitarian crisis in Darfur as reported by the United Nations. The situation has warranted urgent international attention to address the unfolding catastrophe.
In light of these developments, the governments of South Sudan and Sudan are collaborating on repatriating South Sudanese citizens affected by the violence. Furthermore, the South Sudanese government has sought assistance from international and humanitarian organizations. The Sudanese government is also taking steps to establish an ad hoc committee to investigate the reported killings.
South Sudan’s decision to ban social media was prompted by escalating violence in Sudan, specifically the targeting of South Sudanese civilians amidst a civil war that commenced in 2023. The conflict between the SAF and RSF has led to significant human rights violations and a humanitarian disaster in Darfur. By restricting social media, the South Sudanese government aims to control the spread of inflammatory content that could further incite violence within its borders.
The temporary social media ban imposed by South Sudan reflects the government’s response to the violence against South Sudanese civilians in Sudan. With the ongoing civil conflict posing significant humanitarian challenges, the ban serves to mitigate the spread of harmful content while the situation is assessed. Enhanced coordination between South Sudan and Sudan is critical for ensuring the safety and repatriation of affected citizens.
Original Source: www.jurist.org