South Sudanese authorities have blocked access to social media platforms in response to recent unrest, sparking condemnation from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and raising concerns over press freedom and public access to information.
On January 22, the National Communication Authority directed all internet service providers to “block access to all social media accounts” for a minimum of 30 days and up to 90 days, according to a letter reviewed by CPJ and multiple media reports.
The directive aims to curb the circulation of footage showing killings of South Sudanese nationals in neighboring Sudan, which have fueled violent protests and retaliatory killings of Sudanese nationals within South Sudan.
In a statement issued Monday, CPJ strongly criticized the social media ban, calling it a disproportionate measure.
“Blocking social media access is a blanket act of censorship and a disproportionate response to unrest that makes it difficult for journalists to do their jobs and robs the public of the diverse sources of news,” said Muthoki Mumo, CPJ’s Africa program coordinator. “South Sudanese authorities should immediately lift this social media suspension.”
Journalists in South Sudan are struggling to adapt to the restrictions, with many relying on virtual private networks (VPNs) to continue their work. However, uncertainty looms over whether their reports are reaching their audience.
“We journalists are 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 publishes content on Facebook.
The social media ban coincides with broader measures to address unrest, including a dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed in the capital, Juba, on January 17.
During a press briefing on January 23, Napoleon Adok Gai, director-general of the National Communication Authority, suggested the ban could be lifted within 72 hours. However, no official confirmation has been made.
CPJ noted that attempts to reach South Sudan’s information minister and the National Communication Authority for comment were unsuccessful.
