South Sudan’s National Communications Authority has ordered a nationwide blockage of all social media platforms, including Facebook and TikTok, for up to 90 days. The directive, issued on January 22, 2025, instructs Internet Service Providers to restrict access from midnight on the same day.
This move comes after the circulation of graphic content depicting violent attacks on South Sudanese refugees in Wad Madani, Sudan. The government claims that these images have caused public distress, threatened national security, and impacted mental health. The NCA aims to curb the dissemination of harmful content that violates national laws and disrupts public order.
Interestingly, social media penetration in South Sudan is relatively low, with only 4.3% of the total population using social media platforms like Facebook. However, the government’s decision to block social media access may still have significant implications for the country’s online community.
The ban is set for a maximum of 90 days, but the NCA has stated that restrictions could be lifted sooner if the situation is brought under control.
