The South Sudanese government has ordered a 30-day blackout of all social media platforms, citing the need to curb the spread of information related to recent attacks on South Sudanese refugees in Wad Madani.
The directive, issued to internet service providers, aims to prevent the further dissemination of content that could potentially incite further violence or exacerbate the situation.
“We formally request the blockage of these social media sites for a minimum of 30 days. This directive may be lifted as soon as the situation is contained,” said Napolean Adok Gai, Director General of, the National Communication Authority (NCA) in a statement dated January 22, 2025.
The government has expressed concern over the rapid and potentially inflammatory spread of information regarding the attacks on social media platforms.
“The contents depicted violate our local laws and pose a significant threat to public safety and mental health, especially the vulnerable groups.”
BREAKING: South Sudan directs all social media sites blocked from midnight for at least 30 days, in letter to internet service providers.
The directive follows “violent attacks” against South Sudanese refugees in Wad Madani that have been widely shared online pic.twitter.com/gByVkogg4F
— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) January 22, 2025
This move comes amidst growing concerns about the use of social media to spread misinformation and incite violence in the region.
Following a series of attacks on Sudanese nationals in South Sudan, the government imposed a nationwide curfew effective from 6 p.m. local time (1600 GMT) Friday 19th. This measure, announced by Inspector General of Police Abraham Manyuat Peter, aimed to prevent further violence and property damage.
The attacks were triggered by graphic footage circulating on social media platforms depicting the killing of South Sudanese nationals by Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) soldiers in Wad Madani, Sudan.
This footage incited widespread anger and led to retaliatory violence against Sudanese nationals in Juba, Aweil, and Warrap State.
In response to these events, the South Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Sudanese Ambassador to Juba to protest the killings in Wad Madani.
The Ministry requested that a high-level committee from Juba be allowed to visit the affected area to assess the situation and ensure the protection of South Sudanese nationals.
The Sudanese ambassador assured the South Sudanese government that an investigation committee has been formed to investigate the killings in Wad Madani and that the safety of South Sudanese citizens will be prioritized.
Consequently, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, condemned the brutal killings of South Sudanese nationals in Wad Madani, Al Jazirah State, in Sudan.