South Sudanese authorities have blocked access to social media platforms in response to recent unrest, drawing sharp criticism from press freedom advocates and human rights groups.
The National Communication Authority (NCA) issued a directive on January 22, instructing internet service providers to block all social media platforms for at least 30 days, with a possible extension up to 90 days.
The move aims to curb the spread of footage showing the killings of South Sudanese nationals in neighboring Sudan, which had sparked violent protests and retaliatory attacks against Sudanese nationals.
Press Freedom Groups Condemn the Move
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the measure as a “blanket act of censorship,” warning that it restricts public access to information and hinders journalists’ ability to report.
“Blocking social media access is a disproportionate response to unrest that makes it difficult for journalists to do their jobs,” said Muthoki Mumo, CPJ’s Africa program coordinator.
CPJ urged authorities to immediately lift the suspension and respect press freedom.
Journalists Struggle to Report Under Ban
Journalists in South Sudan have turned to virtual private networks (VPNs) to continue their work but remain uncertain whether their audiences can access their reports.
“We journalists are now using VPNs to work. What we don’t know is whether our audience is receiving [our news],” said Mariak Bol, editor-in-chief of Hot in Juba, a news site that also publishes on Facebook.
The social media blackout is part of broader security measures, including a dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed in Juba on January 17.
NCA Director General Napoleon Adok Gai suggested on January 23 that the ban could be lifted within 72 hours, but no official confirmation has been made.
CPJ also noted that efforts to contact South Sudan’s information minister and the NCA for further clarification have been unsuccessful.
The shutdown has raised concerns about digital rights, press freedom, and government transparency in South Sudan, where authorities have previously been accused of suppressing dissent.
