South Sudan to block all social media for 90 days amid rising violence

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January 22, 2025
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2 min read
A picture of two security operatives holding guns and walking by a burning vehicle

South Sudan’s National Communication Authority (NCA) has announced a nationwide shutdown of all social media platforms for a period of 90 days*, starting from midnight on January 22, 2025.

The decision, communicated in a directive sent to Internet Service Providers (ISPs), wants to curb the spread of violent content circulating on these platforms following unrest in neighbouring Sudan.

The secular stated that the measure, grounded in the National Communication Act of 2012, is essential to protect public safety and mental health, particularly among vulnerable groups such as women and children.

"The contents depicted violate our local laws and pose a significant threat to public safety and mental health, especially the vulnerable groups," the document stated.

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The South Sudanese government's decision to shut down social media platforms follows reports of violent attacks on South Sudanese refugees in Wad Madani, Sudan.

According to Middle East Eye, South Sudan experienced a surge in violence targeting Sudanese nationals residing within its borders.

This unrest was reportedly triggered by allegations that Sudanese military forces and allied groups had killed 29 South Sudanese individuals during the recapture of Wad Madani city from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan.

In retaliation, groups of South Sudanese youths armed with machetes and clubs attacked Sudanese-owned businesses and homes in various parts of the capital, Juba, including suburbs such as Hai Thoura, Gumbo Sherikat, and Hai Jebel.

In response to the violence, South Sudanese authorities imposed a nationwide curfew from 6 pm to 6 am to prevent further attacks and maintain public order. Despite these measures, the attacks resulted in at least three deaths and seven injuries in Juba alone.

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This is perhaps why the government has turned to shutting down social media platforms which it justifies with the National Communication Act of 2012; sections 9(g)(f) and 34(6).

While the government hopes to keep the peace with this social media shutdown it will come at some cost. In 2024 for example, African countries lost $1.5 billion to Internet and social media shutdowns.

Interestingly, Sudan lost the most ($1.2 billion) to Internet shutdowns. The shutdown in Sudan was mainly due to a prolonged conflict in the country, which has claimed 13,000 and displaced more than 10 million people.

Similarly, Ethiopia also employed Internet and social media shutdowns to regulate religious tensions. Facebook, YouTube, Telegram, and TikTok were shut down for 11,496, which led to a loss of $1.59 billion.

*Editor's note: A previous version showed a different number of days. This has been adjusted.

He's a geek, a sucker for Blockchain and an all-round tech lover. Find me on Twitter @BoluAbiodun1.
He's a geek, a sucker for Blockchain and an all-round tech lover. Find me on Twitter @BoluAbiodun1.
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He's a geek, a sucker for Blockchain and an all-round tech lover. Find me on Twitter @BoluAbiodun1.
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