South Sudan orders 30-day social media ban amid rising tension over refugee attacks

The South Sudanese government has imposed a 30-day social media ban to curb unrest caused by viral footage of attacks on its refugees in Wad Madani, Sudan.

This directive was issued in an official letter sent to internet service providers (ISPs) on 22 January.

The letter, shared by international CNN correspondent, Larry Madowo, cited the need to resolve increasing tensions triggered by the viral content.

BREAKING: South Sudan directs all social media sites blocked from midnight for at least 30 days, in letter to internet service providers.

The directive follows “violent attacks” against South Sudanese refugees in Wad Madani that have been widely shared online pic.twitter.com/gByVkogg4F

— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) January 22, 2025

Government justifies ban

These attacks, widely shared online, have intensified public unrest in South Sudan, prompting the government’s decision.

Authorities say the ban is important to prevent misinformation and inflammatory content from further inciting tensions.

Nonetheless, human rights advocates have criticized this decision because it suppresses freedom of expression and limits access to crucial information during a crisis.

The violence in Wad Madani has highlighted the continuing challenges faced by South Sudanese refugees in neighboring countries.

This move in South Sudan is part of a widespread trend of governments globally using social media controls to address national concerns.

In Kenya, the principal secretary in the Ministry of Interior met with telcos and social media companies to discuss ways to fight ‘digital abuse’.

Although governments contemplating internet censorship give ‘justifiable’ reasons for their actions, the strategy aims to control information and silence criticism over unpopular policies.

Even in developed countries like the U.S.,the recent TikTok ban was meant to ‘protect citizens’ data’ from being accessed by the Chinese government.

However, the U.S. government has been accused of controlling some information to protect its interests.

Telecom providers enforce the ban

South Sudanese telecom service providers MTN and Zain have confirmed compliance with the government’s order to block Facebook and TikTok for up to 90 days.

The ban will extend the first 30-day restriction, causing stricter control over social media platforms.

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