SPLM threatens to shut misinformation platforms
The party accused “disgruntled anti-peace elements and foreign agents” of fueling these campaigns through social platforms
The Secretary-General of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), Peter Lam Both on Tuesday issued a stern warning over what he said was ‘the misuse of social media’ in the country.
Lam was addressing the media in Juba regarding the recent rumours circulated on social media that President Salva Kiir was considering handing over power to Dr. Benjamin Bol Bel, the President Envoy on Special Programs.
He dismissed the allegation as false and baseless.
“SPLM is for the freedom of expression and speech, but when it is abused, it becomes a crime. We have the capacity to shut social media in South Sudan. If social media becomes an anti-SPLM platform, we will act decisively to safeguard the stability of the nation,” Lam stated.
He argued that South Sudan offers broader access to social media compared to many countries in the region.
“Even in neighboring countries, access to social media is restricted. Let us not abuse this privilege,” he added.
He further outlined a series of recent incidents which he said have destabilized the country, including rumours about SPLM leadership changes, fabricated arrests of senior military officials, and false reports of Dr. Mel’s appointment as acting president.
He accused “disgruntled anti-peace elements and foreign agents” of fueling these campaigns through some social platforms.
“These campaigns aim to discredit the government, create disunity within the SPLM, and sow mistrust among leaders,” Both asserted, adding that efforts are underway to trace the perpetrators using their IP addresses.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Edmund Yakani has called for alternative strategies to address the growing misuse of social media in the country.
Mr. Yakani argued that the suggestion to shut down misinformation platforms could be a short-term solution that could exacerbate political discontent and civic unrest.
“The negative use of social media is indeed growing, triggering instability and public panic. However, shutting down these platforms is not the answer,” he said.
“Instead, the government should design a comprehensive strategy to mitigate misinformation and disinformation,” Yakani said.
The activist highlighted CEPO’s recent survey on social media platforms like Clubhouse and said the study reveals the increasing levels of aggression, extremism, and ethnic polarization among users in South Sudan.
“The unfortunate reality is that even the educated elite are actively contributing to this negativity,” he noted.
Yakani urged political actors to refrain from fueling online hostility, emphasizing that the deterioration of South Sudan’s social fabric could worsen if social media continues to be used irresponsibly.
The activist called on the government to open civic and political spaces to address the grievances driving individuals to exploit online platforms.
“Promoting responsible social media usage is crucial to fostering national unity,” Yakani added.
“A shutdown would only deepen divisions and further alienate an already fragile population.”
As the SPLM considers its next steps, analysts warn that a social media blackout could undermine South Sudan’s democratic progress and alienate its tech-savvy youth. The debate highlights the delicate balance between protecting freedom of speech and addressing the challenges posed by digital misinformation.
