The government of South Sudan has lifted the temporary suspension of Facebook and TikTok, a ban imposed last week following the circulation of graphic videos allegedly depicting the killing of South Sudanese nationals in neighboring Sudan.
In a letter addressed to telecom operators and internet service providers, the National Communications Authority (NCA) confirmed that the distressing content, which fueled violent protests and retaliatory attacks across South Sudan, has been removed from the social media platforms.
Napoleon Adok Gai, the NCA’s director, emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to tackling online incitement. “The rise of violence linked to social media content in South Sudan underscores the need for a balanced approach that addresses the root causes of online incitement while protecting the rights of the population,” Gai stated in the letter.
The initial suspension of the platforms came amid heightened tensions and a wave of violence sparked by the videos, which spread widely and triggered public outrage.
Separately, rights groups have accused the Sudanese army and allied forces of carrying out ethnically targeted attacks on civilians in El Gezira state earlier this month. The incidents reportedly occurred after the army captured the state capital, Wad Madani, from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The Sudanese army, in response, condemned the acts as isolated violations. The alleged attacks, some of which were captured on video and circulated online, have drawn widespread criticism and raised concerns over accountability in the ongoing conflict between the army and the RSF.
The developments highlight the challenges posed by unregulated social media content in conflict-affected regions and the delicate balance between curbing online incitement and safeguarding freedom of expression.
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