South Sudan blocks social media after videos spark deadly riots
South Sudanese authorities have suspended access to social media platforms for at least 30 days in response to the circulation of videos purportedly depicting the killings of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan's El Gezira state.The footage sparked riots and deadly revenge attacks across the country.
Napoleon Adok, director general of the National Communications Authority, issued the directive in a letter to internet service providers, which went into effect at midnight Wednesday. "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," Adok wrote in a letter.
Mobile operators MTN South Sudan and Zain confirmed the block in statements, noting that platforms like Facebook and TikTok would be unavailable for up to 90 days. A Reuters journalist in Juba confirmed that they couldn't access the platforms.
The social media block comes after at least 16 Sudanese nationals were killed last week during riots in South Sudan's capital, Juba, and other cities.
During the violence, youths looted and vandalised Sudanese-owned shops, as well as setting fire to homes. Authorities said the attacks were in retaliation for what the rioters saw as Sudan's military and allied groups' involvement in the El Gezira massacre.
The Sudanese army described the incidents in El Gezira as "individual violations."
Users have criticised the social media ban, including Isaac Anthony Lumori, a prominent South Sudanese musician and comedian known as Mc Lumoex. "The effect is huge because as an artist, I depend so much on social media," Lumori told me.
He urged the government to resolve the conflict diplomatically by engaging Sudan's government to avoid further violence.
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