By : Lloyd Mahachi
South Sudan has taken a drastic measure to curb the spread of violence by suspending access to social media platforms for at least 30 days. This decision comes after videos depicting the alleged killings of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan’s El Gezira state sparked riots and deadly revenge attacks.
The block, implemented at midnight on Wednesday, was confirmed by Napoleon Adok, director general of the National Communications Authority, in a letter to internet service providers. Adok cited the “recent upheaval in Sudan” that exposed South Sudanese to extreme violence through social media posts.
The suspension is a response to the growing tensions between South Sudan and Sudan. The violence erupted after videos showed the alleged killings of South Sudanese nationals in El Gezira. The authenticity of the videos has not been verified, but they have sparked widespread outrage and calls for revenge.
At least 16 Sudanese nationals were killed in riots in South Sudan’s capital Juba and elsewhere. Youths looted and vandalized shops owned by Sudanese nationals and burned homes, retaliating against Sudan’s military and allied groups. The violence has raised concerns about the stability of the region and the potential for further clashes.
The Sudanese army condemned the violence, calling it “individual violations” in El Gezira. The army’s statement did little to calm tensions, and the situation remains volatile. The suspension of social media platforms is seen as a temporary measure to prevent further violence, but it has raised concerns about freedom of speech and access to information.
Isaac Anthony Lumori, a popular South Sudanese musician, expressed concern about the suspension’s impact on his work, as he relies heavily on social media. Lumori urged the government to seek a peaceful resolution, engaging the Sudanese government to prevent further violence.
The suspension highlights the challenges of balancing free speech with maintaining public order in the face of violence and unrest. The government must navigate these competing interests while addressing the underlying causes of the violence. The situation remains fluid, and the outcome is uncertain.
The international community is watching the situation closely, calling for calm and restraint. The United Nations has issued a statement expressing concern about the violence and urging the governments of South Sudan and Sudan to work together to resolve the crisis.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the suspension of social media platforms is only a temporary solution. The underlying issues driving the violence must be addressed, and a lasting solution must be found. The people of South Sudan and Sudan deserve peace and stability, and it is up to their leaders to deliver it.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi