South Sudan Government Shuts Down Social Media

By Debora Akur Chol, South Sudan

The government of South Sudan has ordered the immediate shutdown of popular social media platforms, including Facebook and TikTok, within the country.

This decision, announced by the National Communication Authority (NCA), South Sudan’s telecommunication regulator, will be in effect for up to three months, starting Wednesday night.

The NCA explained that the shutdown was prompted by recent unrest in Sudan, which has exposed South Sudanese citizens to disturbing levels of graphic violence shared on social media.

In particular, the authority cited the alarming images and videos showing violence against South Sudanese citizens in Wad Medani, Sudan, as a primary concern.

The NCA argued that the ban was necessary to prevent the spread of violent content, especially videos depicting brutal attacks on women and children.

To justify the measure, the NCA invoked Sections 9(g)(i) and 34(6) of the National Communication Act of 2012.

However, the decision has sparked widespread criticism from social media users and civil society activists in South Sudan, with many seeing it as an infringement on citizens’ rights.

Ter Manyang, a prominent civil society activist, criticized the government for violating the rights guaranteed under Articles 24 and 25 of South Sudan’s transitional constitution.

“This is a direct attack on the freedom of speech and the rights of South Sudanese citizens,” Manyang said to African Culture TV, adding that, “The shutdown of platforms like Facebook and TikTok for three months undermines the public’s ability to express themselves and access vital information.”

He also warned that the decision could tarnish the government’s reputation and called for greater unity among South Sudanese citizens.

“I urge all South Sudanese to stand together against this authoritarian action and any future leadership that seeks to limit their fundamental freedoms,” Manyang added.

Edmund Yakani, another civil society activist, also condemned the ban, calling it “unacceptable.”

He suggested that rather than imposing a blanket ban on social media platforms, the NCA should focus on blocking specific accounts that spread hate speech, misinformation, and violent content.

“The NCA could have directed telecom companies to block only those accounts promoting hostility and violence, rather than shutting down entire platforms,” Yakani said.

He further emphasised the negative consequences the shutdown could have on individuals who depend on social media for business and work.

“A 90-day ban will have a serious impact on those who rely on platforms like Facebook and TikTok to make a living,” Yakani said, addkng: “The NCA should rethink this decision and consider more targeted measures to address the issue.”

Yakani concluded by urging the NCA to reassess its approach and focus on restricting accounts that are responsible for spreading harmful content, rather than punishing the general population.