In a bold move to address rising violence, South Sudan’s government has announced a 90-day nationwide shutdown of all social media platforms, effective January 22, 2025. This action is aimed at curbing the spread of violent content and protecting public safety, particularly among vulnerable groups such as women and children, in light of escalating unrest in neighboring Sudan.
The decision comes after reports of violent attacks on South Sudanese refugees in Sudan, which led to a wave of retaliatory violence against Sudanese nationals living in South Sudan. Despite the government’s imposition of a nationwide curfew to curb the violence, at least three people have died, and seven others have been injured in the capital, Juba.
The social media blackout is authorized under the National Communication Act of 2012, with the government hoping it will help restore peace. However, the move is expected to have a significant economic impact. In 2024, African countries lost $1.5 billion due to internet and social media shutdowns, with Sudan alone accounting for $1.2 billion of that loss.
This decision has sparked concerns about potential infringements on freedom of expression and access to information in South Sudan. As the country navigates this challenging situation, the broader consequences of such a sweeping measure remain to be seen.