South Sudan has blocked social media for 30 to 90 days to quell unrest stemming from violence in Sudan. The CPJ condemned this act as excessive censorship, impacting press freedom. Journalists are using VPNs to navigate the ban but are unsure if their reports reach the public, as government measures include a curfew. Calls for the ban’s reversal have been made without official confirmation of its duration.
Authorities in South Sudan have implemented a nationwide block of social media platforms as a reaction to recent civil unrest. This decision, enforced by the National Communication Authority, mandates that all internet service providers restrict access for a period of 30 to 90 days, which has been met with criticism from media advocacy groups. The intention behind this move is to halt the dissemination of distressing footage related to violence affecting South Sudanese nationals abroad, particularly in neighboring Sudan, which has incited protests and retaliatory violence.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) expressed strong opposition to this measure, condemning it as an extreme censorship tactic that hampers journalism and restricts the public’s access to a variety of news sources. Muthoki Mumo, CPJ’s Africa program coordinator, urged the South Sudanese government to lift the ban, underscoring that it creates significant obstacles for reporters performing their duties.
Local journalists, striving to continue their reporting amid the social media ban, have turned to virtual private networks (VPNs) yet remain unsure of their audience’s ability to receive their articles and updates. As expressed by Mariak Bol, editor-in-chief of Hot in Juba, this uncertainty complicates their efforts to inform the public.
This ban coincides with other governmental actions, including a curfew in the capital city of Juba, which began on January 17 to manage public unrest. Although the director general of the National Communication Authority, Napoleon Adok Gai, mentioned the possibility of the ban being lifted within 72 hours, no official announcement has yet confirmed this. Efforts to obtain additional insights from the information minister and the National Communication Authority were unsuccessful, leaving many questions unanswered regarding the implications of this decision.
The social media shutdown in South Sudan is a response to unrest triggered by violence in Sudan affecting South Sudanese nationals. The government has sought to suppress information that could fuel further unrest, but this action has raised significant concerns regarding press freedom and the public’s right to information. Media advocacy organizations emphasize the importance of a free and open press as a pillar of democracy and social stability, highlighting the detrimental impact of government censorship on journalistic practices.
In conclusion, South Sudan’s decision to block social media access amidst civil unrest raises critical concerns about press freedom and censorship. The Committee to Protect Journalists urges the authorities to reconsider this action, which threatens to obstruct the flow of information essential to the public. Local journalists are facing challenges in their reporting endeavors, uncertain about their audience’s access to vital news in these tumultuous times.
Original Source: punchng.com
