Poster of anti-online hate speech. (Courtesy).

The Secretary-General of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan is urging social media users against using the platform to siphon hate speech but to make a responsible use of it.

Majak Daniel said netizens should use the platforms to advocate for peace and unity among the people of South Sudan within and outside the country.

Speaking on Eye Radio’s Dawn Show on Tuesday, Majak advised social media users to desist from negative propaganda, but rather use the platforms for peaceful coexistence.

“It comes back to individual responsibility, how responsible are you and what is your intent of having social media platform as a person. How am I suing my Facebook page, am I using it to inform, am I using it to at least inspire somebody, am I using it to educate somebody.”

“So, this comes back to you as a person, yes, majority of us just use it, any information without filtering it, without digesting it, they want to share it.”

“But you as a person if you are responsible enough, you will be able to understand that you are required as a person to maintain public peace. There is really need of our people to refrain from sharing hate speech.”

Social media platforms popular in South Sudan include Facebook, TikTok, Twitter and WhatsApp.

In 2018, President Salva Kiir appealed to the public to desist from hatemongering and posting negative comments on social media after signing the Khartoum agreement on a permanent ceasefire.

Kiir also urged the social media users and those in authority to avoid negative criticism towards the peace process in South Sudan.

According to a 2015 report by DefyHatenow, traditional media as well as internet and social media was a serious factor in fueling the South Sudan conflict since 2013.

Similarly, the 2017 report by Peace Techlab, a peace building organization, stated that “supporters of the former diverse rival parties adopted inflammatory language targeting their opponents.”

It added that social media users had then introduced new hateful language, as well as adapting previously identified terminology to meet their needs.

In March last year, the Minister of information said the government will start tracking irresponsible users of social media networks found posting false and defamatory information.

Michael Makuei stated that young people are mostly fond of attacking the elderly on social media and abusing them.

He advised the general public to desist from hate mongering and posting negative comments on social media.

Makuei added that those found engaging in negative use of social media, will be picked out to face consequences of their actions.

He called on South Sudanese to use social media responsibility in order to create awareness and aid business communication.