South Sudan Blocks Social Media Amid Unrest Over Killings In Sudan

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South Sudanese authorities have suspended access to social media platforms for at least 30 days following the circulation of videos depicting alleged killings of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan’s El Gezira state. The videos sparked riots and deadly revenge attacks across South Sudan.

The blackout, scheduled to begin at midnight on Wednesday, was ordered by Napoleon Adok, Director General of the National Communications Authority. In a letter addressed to internet service providers, Adok stated:

“This is culminating from the recent upheaval in Sudan that has exposed the South Sudanese population to unprecedented levels of extreme violence through social media posts.”

Mobile operators MTN South Sudan and Zain announced that users would not be able to access platforms such as Facebook and TikTok for a maximum of 90 days. A Reuters reporter in Juba confirmed the restrictions, as they were unable to access the platforms.

The unrest has already claimed at least 16 lives after riots broke out in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, and other areas last week. Youths in several cities vandalized shops owned by Sudanese nationals, looted goods, and set homes ablaze in retaliation for what they perceived as Sudan’s military and allied groups’ involvement in the El Gezira killings.

The Sudanese army has condemned the events in El Gezira, describing them as “individual violations.”

The social media ban has drawn mixed reactions, with many criticizing its impact on daily life. Isaac Anthony Lumori, popularly known as Mc Lumoex, a renowned South Sudanese musician and comedy show founder, expressed his concerns:

“The effect is a bit huge because, as an artist, I depend so much on social media. My message to the government is to seek an amicable way of solving this issue, especially engaging the government of Sudan to ensure their army does not misbehave to the extent of taking human life.”

The social media suspension highlights the growing tension in the region, as South Sudan grapples with the fallout from its northern neighbor’s ongoing conflict.

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