South Sudanese authorities have reversed a temporary ban on Facebook and TikTok, which was imposed last week in response to the circulation of videos showing the alleged killings of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan. The National Communications Authority (NCA) announced the decision in a letter dated January 27, addressed to telecom and internet providers, stating that the graphic content had been removed from the platforms.
The disturbing videos, which depicted ethnically targeted violence, triggered widespread violent protests and retaliatory killings across South Sudan. In the letter, Napoleon Adok Gai, Director of the NCA, emphasized the need for a balanced approach to address the root causes of online incitement while safeguarding the rights of citizens.
“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.
The videos reportedly showed attacks on civilians in Sudan’s El Gezira state, allegedly carried out by the Sudanese army and its allies after they seized control of the state capital, Wad Madani, from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces earlier this month. Rights groups have accused the Sudanese army of ethnically motivated violence against civilians, allegations the army has denied, condemning the actions as “individual violations” captured in the widely shared footage.
The lifting of the ban marks a step toward normalizing social media access in South Sudan, but it also highlights the ongoing challenges of managing online content that can incite violence. Authorities continue to grapple with balancing freedom of expression with the need to prevent the spread of harmful material.
As tensions remain high in the region, the incident underscores the broader implications of social media in fueling conflict and the importance of responsible content moderation to promote peace and stability.
