The National Communication Authority of South Sudan has reportedly shut down internet services in the country following a fresh breakout of violence. Several people are reported dead after fighting between government and rebel forces in South Sudan’s Yei River state, in the latest violations of a two-week-old cease-fire agreement, reported VOA News.
Earlier on today, Denis Dumo, a Reuters reporter based in South Sudan sent out a tweet claiming that he could not access 3G internet services through his phone. In the tweet, Denis says that the shutdown has affected Zain and MTN services. Apparently, the two telcos sent out text messages stating that the National Communication Authority had requested them to shut down 3G internet services temporarily and thus were apologizing for the “inconvenience caused”.
#SouthSudan both Zain & MTN Internet (3G) is temporarily shut down by the National Communication Authority. I can't browse or tweet from my smartphone. We don't know when will be back only sorry for 'inconvenience' from the companies.
— Denis Dumo (@DenisDumo) January 5, 2018
Dear Valued customer, we have been requested by National Communication Authority to temporarily shut down our 3G internet service. We apologize for the inconvenience caused #SouthSudan
— Denis Dumo (@DenisDumo) January 4, 2018
These reports were later echoed by South Sudanese online news agency, The National Courier when they posted that a number of people had reported that they cannot access the internet in the capital city of Juba.
“Some people are reporting that they cannot access internet in Juba. Apparently, 3G access has been “temporarily” suspended by the National Communication Authority. MTN customer told the National Courier that they received a text message that reads: “Dear valued customer, we have been requested by National Communication Authority to temporarily shut down our 3G internet service. We apologize for the inconvenience caused.” Zain and MTN appear to be the only service providers affected so far. National Courier has sort comment from the NCA and is awaiting a reply,” wrote The National Courier on facebook.
South Sudan has been having a rough patch politically that has taken a toll on the economic situation in the country. The country has five telcos, namely; MTN, Zain, Sudani, Vivacell and Gemtel but reports show that only Zain and MTN have been affected by the shutdown.
