South Sudan is officially blocking access to TikTok and Facebook in the country. According to the official regulator, the National Communications Authority (NCA), this hardline directive is necessary to ensure a safe digital environment ensues. This ban stops access to the two social media platforms, both via mobile apps and via the web.
In a notice to the public last evening, NCA stated, “The Authority herein invokes the provisions of section 9g) (1) and 34(6) of the National Communication Act, 2012. By this order, the Authority directs all internet service providers to block access to all social media accounts effective from midnight (00:00 hrs) of the 22nd of January 2025, for a maximum of 90 days.”
While the regulator has asked telecommunications companies to block access for up to 90 days, it is mandatory that the blockage is observed for at least 30 days.
MTN South Sudan, the widest network coverage in the country with an estimated 2,519,000 subscribers accounting for 59.7% market share, has confirmed it is implementing the directive.
“MTN South Sudan wishes to inform its esteemed customers that following a directive received by The Telecom Industry, access and usage, direct or otherwise, of Facebook Application, Facebook Web, TikTok Application, and TikTok Web and their related messaging applications have been suspended for a maximum period of 90 days,” stated the telco in a notice to the residents of South Sudan.
Zain South Sudan, the second-largest telecommunications network company in the country, also confirmed its implementing the restriction order.
It is important to note that the violent content originated from the Republic of Sudan and not from South Sudan. The South Sudanese regulator claims these social media posts exposed the public to “unprecedented levels of extreme violence.”South Sudanese refugees in Wad Madani, located in the neighboring Republic of Sudan, were subjected to violent attacks, leading to the tragic deaths of women and children. Unfortunately, these incidents were recorded and shared on social media.
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NCA states the content shared violates laws and poses a serious risk to public safety and mental health, particularly for vulnerable groups. The authority promises to lift the ban once the situation is brought under control.
