South Sudan Blocks Social Media Amid Unrest Following Alleged Killings in Sudan

South Sudanese authorities have suspended access to social media platforms for at least 30 days in response to violent riots sparked by videos showing alleged killings of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan’s El Gezira state.

Napoleon Adok, Director General of the National Communications Authority, announced the block in a letter dated Wednesday, instructing internet service providers to enforce the ban starting at midnight. The letter, seen by Reuters, stated the suspension aimed to curb the spread of “extreme violence” through social media posts linked to recent unrest in Sudan.

Mobile operators MTN South Sudan and Zain confirmed that platforms such as Facebook and TikTok would be inaccessible for up to 90 days, according to statements released on Wednesday.

The unrest began last week when riots erupted in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, and other cities, leaving at least 16 Sudanese nationals dead. Youths in several areas looted shops, vandalized property, and set homes ablaze, targeting Sudanese nationals in retaliation for what they believed was the involvement of Sudan’s military and allied groups in the El Gezira killings.

The Sudanese army has since condemned what it described as “individual violations” in El Gezira.