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South Sudan blocks Facebook, TikTok over Sudan-related hate speech

The move comes a day after the head of South Sudan’s media regulatory authority warned that social media platforms were being misused to incite violence and spread misinformation, posing a threat to national security and regional stability.

by Sudans Post
January 22, 2025

Facebook and TikTok. [Photo courtesy]
Facebook and TikTok. [Photo courtesy]
JUBA – South Sudan government on Wednesday blocked access to Facebook and TikTok, citing concerns that the social media platforms were being used to spread hate speech and incite violence following recent events in Sudan.

The decision, effective immediately, was announced in a statement by the National Communications Authority, which invoked Sections 9(g)(f) and 34(6) of the National Communication Act, 2012.

“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 of January 2025, for a maximum of (90) days,” the statement said.

The government cited the recent violence in Sudan, where South Sudanese citizens were killed by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and allied militias, as a major factor in the decision.

“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,” the statement added.

The statement also highlighted the “gruesome killings of South Sudanese citizens” in Al Jazira State, captured in videos shared widely on social media.

“South Sudanese refugees in [Wad Madani], located in the neighbouring Republic of Sudan, were subjected to violent attacks resulting in the deaths of Women and Children, subsequently captured in videos and shared on social media without any regards,” the statement said.

“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, especially the vulnerable groups,” it said.

Local mobile operators, including Zain, MTN, and Gemtel, confirmed they had received the government directive and had implemented the block. The decision has drawn strong criticism from civil society groups.

“The approach of banning social media platforms Facebook and TikTok in total as a system as directed by the government was unacceptable,” said Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), in a statement to Sudans Post.

“The best practice is that the South Sudan National Communication Authority should have directed the telecommunication Companies to block individual social media accounts that promote hate speech, hostile propaganda, misinformation, disinformation and images of inhuman acts rather than banning the whole system of the Facebook and TikTok social media platform,” he added.

Yakani argued that the blanket ban would have negative consequences for individuals and businesses.

“The decision of blocking or banning the social media platforms for 90 days in South Sudan have negative implications on those individuals who have jobs online and trade online. It is essential for the national Telecommunication Authority to review their decision and make rightful decisions such as directing telecom companies to restrict individual social media accounts that perpetrate human rights violations or promote violence,” he stressed.

Ter Manyang Gatwech, head of the Centre for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), condemned the government’s decision, stating that it would tarnish the country’s image and urged citizens to unite against such actions.

“The actions taken by the Government of South Sudan are likely to tarnish the image of the current administration. Therefore, I urge all South Sudanese citizens to unite against the current administration and any individuals seeking to contest for top leadership in 2026,” he said.

“Those leaders are denying services such as access to social media platforms like Meta and TikTok. It’s time for all South Sudanese people to unite against leaders who deny their rights to access the internet. The internet is not only used to incite violence or create hate speech, as the government perceives. Many leaders belong to an older generation that does not understand the benefits of the internet,” he added.

The decision to block Facebook and TikTok will significantly impact access to information in South Sudan, where many rely on social media for news and communication. Several online news outlets, including Sudans Post, Radio Tamazuj, and Sudan Tribune, are already blocked in the country.

Yesterday, the head of the National Media Authority, Elijah Alier, warned against the spread of hate speech and incitement to violence on social media platforms, citing concerns about rising tensions between South Sudan and Sudan.

“In light of recent conflicts and the surge in digital interactions, it is crucial to address the issue of hate speech and incitement to violence in both Sudan and South Sudan,” Alier state, noting that the recent events in Wad Madani, Sudan, “have left not only physical scars but also emotional wounds on the hearts of the people.”

“These alleged atrocities, committed by the fighting forces, have sparked tensions that threaten to spill over into our digital spaces. In such a delicate moment, the power of our words is undeniable, and it is our duty to wield that power with care,” he said.

The Media Authority urged social media users in both Sudan and South Sudan, including those in the diaspora, to refrain from actions that may incite violence or promote hatred.

“Such behaviors are detrimental to the peace and security of both countries. Responsible digital interaction, with a sense of humanity, is paramount,” Alier said.

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Sudans Post

Sudans Post is an independent, young, and grass roots news media organization aimed at providing readers with an alternate depiction of events that occur on Sudan, South Sudan and East Africa, and to establish an engaging social platform for readers to discover and discuss the various issues that impact the two countries and the region.

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