South Sudan bans social media for 30 days over violence in neighboring Sudan
The ban, which could be extended for up to 90 days, is set to take effect at midnight on Thursday.
South Sudanese authorities on Wednesday directed telecom companies to block access to social media platforms for at least 30 days, citing concerns over the spread of graphic content related to ongoing violence against South Sudan's citizens in neighbouring Sudan.
The ban, which could be extended for up to 90 days, is set to take effect at midnight on Thursday.
More To Read
- Sudan's RSF conducts first drone attack on Port Sudan, army spokesperson says
- Children in Darfur left in desperate conditions as worsening violence displaces families
- Sudan records 40 mine explosions, 66 casualties since start of conflict in April 2023
- Sudan to relocate South Sudanese refugees from Khartoum in major policy shift amid conflict
- Sudan conflict enters third year as UN warns of aid collapse, deepening refugee crisis
- Trade CS Kinyanjui warns politicians against remarks risking economic fallout with Sudan
The National Communication Authority (NCA) officials emphasised in a directive that the measure was necessary to protect the public.
The NCA stated, "We may lift this directive as soon as we contain the situation."
"The contents depicted violate our local laws and pose a significant threat to public safety and mental health."
The decision comes after widespread anger in South Sudan over footage purportedly showing killings of South Sudanese nationals by militia groups in Sudan's Gezira state.
In response to retaliatory violence, including looting of shops owned by Sudanese traders, South Sudanese authorities imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on January 17.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the African Union Commission, condemned "the brutal killings of South Sudanese nationals" in Sudan and called for restraint.
Sudan has been mired in civil war since April 2023, when fighting erupted between rival military factions in the capital, Khartoum, and spread to other regions.
The conflict has triggered a massive humanitarian crisis, marked by atrocities such as ethnically motivated killings and sexual violence, according to reports from the United Nations and human rights organisations.
Top Stories Today
- Ministry sounds alarm as youth drug abuse spikes in 10 counties
- South Sudan invites AU and IGAD chiefs for crisis talks
- Congo, Rwanda submit draft peace proposal, Trump adviser says
- Bobi Wine aide brought to court limping, charged and remanded
- ICJ Kenya hails ruling declaring Worldcoin’s data collection unlawful
- Inside Eastleigh SIM-swap heist: Sh3.2m stolen via fake accounts, IDs
- High Court halts order for Nyashinski to reveal Tecno deal in copyright row
- National campaign launched to tackle GBV and femicide
- Pope Francis's popemobile set to become health clinic for Gaza children
- Millers increase unga prices as maize supply tightens
- Court to rule on halt of prison recruitments, suspension of budget-making process
- State blames underdevelopment for insecurity in 23 counties
- Pakistani Bank Al Habib announces exit from Kenya after 7 years
- Baby Pendo murder case: 11 officers to be charged with crimes against humanity
- Somali coffee and tea: Why milk makes all the difference
- From chapati rolls to canjeero pizza: How families are reinventing snack time
- Autopsy: Kasipul MP Charles Were died from five gunshot wounds
- ICJ throws out Sudan's case accusing UAE of supporting RSF
- Police seek to hold officer, 3 others in Kasipul MP murder for 30 days
- Bobi Wine’s bodyguard appears in court after alleged abduction by Muhoozi
