A sign illustrating Facebook ban. (-)
The National Communication Authority has imposed a maximum 90-day ban on social media platforms including Facebook and Tiktok from midnight of January 22, 2025, a decision widely condemned by activists.
The communication regulator said the directive was prompted by the circulation of violent contents and sentiments as a result of the incident in Sudan’s Wad Madani.
Zain and MTN have informed users that access to Facebook and TikTok will be restricted per the directive.
NCA said the ban on social media platforms could be lifted sooner if the situation in the digital space improves.
Bol Deng Bol, Executive Director of Intrepid South Sudan, termed the decision to shutdown social media as a destructive reaction to the “genuine concern of South Sudanese prompted by the inhumane killing of our people” trapped in Sudan’s Civil War.
“This decision is unjustifiable and constitutes a deliberate infringement on the South Sudanese right of access to information,” he said in a statement.
“I am strongly urging the Government to reconsider this blockage of the Social sites and instead, educate Citizens on the dangers of hate speech, misinformation and disinformation.”
Ter Manyang Gatwech, the Executive Director of Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), said the move violates the rights established in the constitution.
Article 24 of the constitution states that every citizen has the right to freedom of expression, including the reception and dissemination of information, publication, and access to the press, without prejudice to public order, safety, or morals as prescribed by law.
“The actions taken by the government are likely to tarnish the image of the current administration. Those leaders are denying services such as access to social media platforms like Meta and TikTok. It’s time for all South Sudanese people to unite against leaders who deny their rights to access the internet,” he said.
“The internet is not only used to incite violence or create hate speech, as the government perceives. Many leaders belong to an older generation that does not understand the benefits of the internet.”
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