Amnesty International urges government to lift social media ban
The movement describing the directive as a gross violation of human rights and a dangerous precedent for freedom of expression, even as the regulator, NCA, defended its decision
By Emmanuel Mandella
Amnesty International has called on the South Sudan government to immediately reverse its blanket ban on social media, describing the move as a gross violation of human rights and a dangerous precedent for freedom of expression.
The National Communication Authority (NCA) issued an order on January 22 directing the telecommunication companies to block access to social media platforms- Facebook and TikTok for a maximum period of 90 days, citing national security concerns.
Speaking to the media on January 23, NCA Director Napoleon Adok assured that the ban would be lifted within 72 hours. However, the announcement has done little to quell the public outcry.
“This order is arbitrary, disproportionate, and violates international human rights standards,” Amnesty International said in a statement issued on Monday.
“Blanket bans on social media undermine people’s rights to freedom of information, expression, and peaceful assembly.”
The organization also reminded ISPs, including major providers MTN and Zain, of their responsibility to respect human rights and urged them to relook the move.
The NCA justified the ban by referencing Section 9(g) of the 2012 National Communication Act, which allows for restrictions to uphold the cultural and social values of South Sudan.
However, Amnesty International noted that such actions contravene the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which South Sudan is a state party.
The social media blackout comes in the wake of deadly violence targeting Sudanese nationals in South Sudan. According to media reports, retaliatory attacks erupted in Juba and Aweil on January 16 and 17, after videos of South Sudanese civilians allegedly killed by Sudanese Armed Forces in Wad Madani, Sudan, went viral. The violence left 12 people dead and seven injured, with property and businesses looted.
In a troubling turn of events, hundreds of detainees, including those allegedly involved in the attacks, escaped from military detention in Juba’s Giada barracks on January 22. Amnesty International condemned the detention of civilians in military facilities, calling for fair trials and accountability.
While calling for Justice and Accountability, Amnesty International urged South Sudanese authorities to ensure the safety of Sudanese nationals residing in South Sudan and to thoroughly investigate the attacks against them.
The organization also emphasized the need for justice and effective remedies for victims and their families.
“Authorities must bring perpetrators to justice transparently and impartially,” the statement said.
“Civilians accused of crimes must be tried in civilian courts with their rights fully protected.”
On a separate note, Amnesty international also called on Sudan’s warring factions, including the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, to immediately halt attacks on civilians and ensure justice for crimes committed during the conflict.
“Authorities must bring perpetrators to justice transparently and impartially,” Amnesty International said in a statement.
