South Sudan has suspended access to social media platforms for at least 30 days following violent riots triggered by videos allegedly showing the killings of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan’s El Gezira state.
The decision, announced by the National Communications Authority on Wednesday, aims to curb the spread of extreme content and prevent further unrest. Mobile operators MTN South Sudan and Zain confirmed that platforms like Facebook and TikTok would be inaccessible for up to 90 days.
The riots, which erupted in the capital, Juba and other cities, led to the deaths of at least 16 Sudanese nationals. Angry youths looted shops, vandalised property, and burned homes belonging to Sudanese nationals, believing Sudan’s military and its allies were involved in the El Gezira killings. South Sudanese authorities have condemned the violence, urging calm and restraint.
The Sudanese army has also criticised what it described as ‘individual violations’ in El Gezira. The social media ban is part of a broader effort to restore order and prevent further acts of retaliation, as tensions remain high between the neighbouring nations.
Source: dig.watch
