South Sudan has lifted its temporary ban on social media platforms, including Facebook and TikTok, after a five-day suspension.
The National Communications Authority (NCA) announced that the graphic videos, which depicted alleged attacks on South Sudanese nationals in Sudan and had incited violence within the country, have been removed from these platforms.
The ban was initially imposed after footage of alleged attacks on South Sudanese nationals in Sudan surfaced, leading to protests and retaliatory violence.
While the government justified the shutdown as a necessary measure for public safety, the decision has reignited concerns over digital freedoms and the economic impact of restricting online access.
Many South Sudanese entrepreneurs rely heavily on social media for their businesses, using platforms for advertising, customer engagement, and sales. The abrupt shutdown disrupted their operations, leading to revenue losses and frustration.
The move has sparked debate over government control versus citizens’ right to free expression. Critics warn that such measures set a worrying precedent, allowing governments to control information flow under the pretext of security concerns.
South Sudan’s decision to lift the ban has been welcomed by many, but it highlights the broader challenge of managing digital spaces in politically sensitive environments. Africa reportedly lost $1.5 billion to Internet shutdowns in 2024 alone.
The country is navigating its digital future, and experts suggest that a more measured approach—such as fact-checking initiatives and online content monitoring—could help address security concerns without undermining economic activities and civil liberties.
