South Sudan has announced a three-month suspension of social media access to mitigate public unrest following violence against its citizens in Sudan. The National Communication Authority implemented this directive due to the dissemination of graphic content, which has exacerbated tensions, leading to riots and retaliatory violence against Sudanese entities within South Sudan.
The government of South Sudan has mandated a three-month suspension of social media access, following an escalation of violence against South Sudanese individuals in neighboring Sudan. This directive, issued by the National Communication Authority (NCA), affects all internet service providers and telecom operators, instructing them to disable social media accounts beginning Wednesday at midnight.
NCA Director General Napoleon Adok Gai reported that the ban is a response to the extreme violence faced by South Sudanese refugees in Wad Madani, resulting in significant casualties among women and children. Graphic videos portraying these incidents have spread rapidly across social media, contributing to rising tensions within South Sudan.
Recently, disturbing footage of assaults on South Sudanese citizens led to violent protests in Juba and other regions, prompting retaliatory attacks on Sudanese-owned businesses in the country. The NCA emphasized that the suspension of social media is crucial to curb the circulation of such aggressive content, which threatens public safety and mental health.
Telecommunication companies, including prominent operators such as MTN, Zain, and Digitel, have informed their subscribers of the temporary suspension, reflecting compliance with the NCA’s orders. However, some individuals express strong opposition to this decision, viewing it as an infringement on civil liberties.
Yar Mary, a local business owner, commented on the suspension’s adverse effects on her operations reliant upon social media for client communication. The potential loss of connectivity poses a significant threat to businesses and personal interactions across the nation.
The recent decision by the South Sudanese government to suspend social media access for an extended period arises amid serious humanitarian and security concerns relating to violence against South Sudanese populations in Sudan. The NCA’s action reflects ongoing tensions and the spreading of graphic content that aggravates public unrest and poses challenges to community safety. Understanding the context of these events is crucial in recognizing the implications of such a decision on civil rights and business operations.
In summary, the South Sudanese government’s three-month suspension of social media is a reaction to the violence affecting its citizens across the border, aiming to mitigate the spread of graphic violent content. While the decision is intended to preserve public order, it has faced significant backlash from those who view it as a violation of rights, highlighting the delicate balance between security and personal freedoms in the region.
Original Source: news.az
