South Sudan has imposed a 30-day social media access limit to curb the spread of distressing content linked to violence in neighboring Sudan. Officials say the measure, effective Thursday, aims to protect public safety and mental well-being.
The National Communication Authority (NCA) directed telecom providers to enforce the restriction, citing videos showing attacks on South Sudanese nationals in Sudan’s Gezira state. “These materials violate local laws and pose significant risks to public safety,” the NCA said, adding that the ban could be lifted if conditions improve.
The restriction comes as tensions rise over alleged militia attacks on South Sudanese. Retaliatory violence in Juba has already targeted Sudanese-owned businesses, prompting authorities to impose a dusk-to-dawn curfew starting January 17.
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Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, condemned the “brutal killings of South Sudanese nationals” in Sudan, urging both sides to exercise restraint.
The civil war in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has triggered the world’s largest displacement crisis and widespread famine. U.N. reports document ethnic violence and sexual assaults, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
