South Sudanese authorities have instructed telecom companies to block access to social media for 30 days, starting at midnight Thursday.
The decision, made by the National Communication Authority (NCA), comes in response to concerns about the spread of graphic content related to the violence against South Sudanese in neighboring Sudan.
The temporary social media ban, which could be extended up to 90 days, was justified by the NCA as necessary to protect public health and safety.
“The content being shared violates local laws and poses a significant threat to mental well-being,” the NCA explained.
The government added that the ban would be lifted if the situation stabilizes.
The decision follows outrage among South Sudanese citizens over disturbing videos that appear to show militia groups killing South Sudanese nationals in Sudan’s Gezira state.
In response to rising tensions, South Sudan also imposed a curfew from January 17 to curb retaliatory violence, including the looting of Sudanese-owned shops.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, condemned the killings and called for restraint.
The ongoing civil war in Sudan, which began in April 2023 with a violent clash between rival military factions, has caused widespread suffering, with famine and mass displacement plaguing the region.
The conflict has been marked by severe human rights abuses, including ethnically motivated killings and sexual violence.
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