South Sudan’s Media Authority has warned politicians against spreading online hate speech and inciting violence on social media amid rising tensions in the country.
Elijah Alier, Managing Director of the media regulatory body, said on Monday that inflammatory rhetoric risked deepening divisions, as recent clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and armed youth in Nasir County—known as the White Army—fueled fears of wider unrest.
“The Media Authority is deeply concerned about the recent surge in hate speech and incitement to violence, particularly related to the conflict in Nasir County,” Alier told reporters. “This situation is worsened by misinformation and politically charged statements.”
Alier urged media outlets and public figures to avoid divisive narratives that could escalate violence. “All stakeholders, including politicians and social media users, must act responsibly to prevent further bloodshed,” he said. “Inflammatory statements only heighten tensions and endanger innocent lives.”
The warning follows online exchanges between South Sudanese politicians and Ugandan Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who recently posted contentious remarks about the Nasir ethnic group and First Vice President Riek Machar on social media platform X.
Alier called for conflict-sensitive reporting and said the Media Authority would work with law enforcement to hold those spreading hate speech accountable.
“Independent journalism must avoid harm while serving the public interest,” he said. “The misuse of social media to spread disinformation is a major concern.”