In a move aimed at maintaining public safety and order, the Government of South Sudan has directed internet service providers to block access to social media platforms, including Facebook and TikTok, for a maximum period of 90 days.
According to a statement issued by the National Communication Authority, the decision was made in response to the recent upheaval in Sudan, which has exposed the South Sudanese population to extreme violence through social media posts.
“The Authority herein invokes the provisions of section 9(g)(f) and 34(6) of the National Communication Act, 2012. By this order, the Authority directs all Internet Service providers to block access to all social media accounts effective from the midnight (00:00Hrs) of the 22nd January, 2025,” the statement read.
The Government of South Sudan cited concerns over graphic violence content related to the conflict in Sudan, which has resulted in the deaths of women and children, and has been shared on social media without regard for the vulnerable groups.
“We formally request the blockage of these social media sites for a minimum of 30 days. This directive may be lifted as soon as the situation is contained. The contents depicted violate our local laws and pose a significant threat to public safety and mental health,” the Government stated.
MTN South Sudan, one of the country’s leading telecommunications providers, has since issued a notice to its customers informing them of the service restriction.
“MTN South Sudan wishes to inform its esteemed customers that following a directive received by The Telecom Industry, access and usage, direct or otherwise of Facebook Application, Facebook Web, TikTok Application, and TikTok Web and their related messaging applications have been suspended for a maximum period of 90 days,” the notice read.
The MTN statement assured customers that all other services offered by the company would continue to run seamlessly, and that they would be notified of any changes to the approach.
As the social media block takes effect, the Government of South Sudan and MTN South Sudan have urged citizens to cooperate with the directive, citing the need to maintain public safety and order.
The move has sparked mixed reactions, with some citizens expressing concerns over the restriction of their freedom of expression, while others have welcomed the decision as a necessary measure to protect the public from harmful content.
