Advocate Reech Malual during a talk show on Eye Radio on July 15, 2025. (Photo: Eye Radio/Moses Awan)

JUBA, June 18, 2026 — Advocate Reech Malual has called for increased caution in the use of social media, warning that irresponsible online behaviour can contribute to the spread of hate speech and undermine social cohesion.

Speaking on the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, Malual said many young people remain unaware of the damaging effects hate speech can have on communities and national peace.

He said citizen journalism, while important in sharing information, can also spread harmful narratives when not exercised responsibly.

Malual urged social media users to reflect before sharing content and avoid forwarding messages that may incite division or hatred.

“Younger generations do not understand the extent of how head of speech can actually destroy the social fabric of our people or of the Republic of South Sudan between our communities and between the larger nations or the tribes rather,” Reech Malual said.

“They are just there to spread, for example, you know, citizenry journalists that do not understand how information works, how information can actually destroy a country, how information can be used as a tool of mass destruction. They are spreading head of speech knowingly or unknowingly. Before you forward any tribal or political message, count to 10, ask yourself, would I say this if they stood in front of me? If not, delete it. The send button is a loaded gun.”

He described the “send” button on social media as a “loaded gun,” warning that a single post or forward can have serious consequences for individuals and communities.

The International Day for Countering Hate Speech is observed annually on June 18 to raise awareness and promote global action against hate speech.