I feel compelled to speak out against this harmful measure. On January 22nd, 2025, the National Communication Authorities (NCA) of South Sudan issued a sweeping directive that has sparked widespread concern regarding the future of civil liberties in the country. The directive mandates a complete and indefinite shutdown of social media platforms across South Sudan for a minimum period of 30 days. This drastic measure has been presented as a response to the devastating massacre of South Sudanese nationals in Wad Madani, Sudan. While the government may perceive this action as a necessary means of addressing national grief and preventing further violence, it raises critical questions about the protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms.
The directive, which halts access to vital communication channels (social media sites) and silences many forms of expression, can be seen as an alarming overreach by the state. In a time of national mourning, rather than nurturing open dialogue, this move effectively stifles public discourse and curtails the ability of South Sudanese citizens to share information and engage in meaningful conversations about their country’s challenges. The government’s justification for this temporary shutdown may be tied to national security concerns, yet such a blanket restriction on social media usage represents a serious infringement on the fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, such as freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the right to access information.
Furthermore, this directive signals a disturbing shift away from the core principles of democracy and transparency that are essential for a healthy society. In the absence of platforms to voice opinions, people are left in the dark, unaware of what is happening both locally and globally. The heavy-handed approach to curtailing online activities also brings into question the government’s commitment to human rights protection and the promotion of an inclusive, participatory political process.
While the massacre in Wad Madani is an undeniable tragedy, the government’s response raises broader concerns about the long-term consequences for South Sudan’s civil liberties. Citizens should not be deprived of their basic rights under the guise of protecting national interests. As we reflect on this issue, it is crucial to remind ourselves that upholding democracy, transparency, and human rights is not just a moral obligation, but a foundation for ensuring peace and stability in the country.
At the heart of every democratic society is the ability of its people to freely express themselves, share information, and engage in open communication, especially during times of crisis. The recent tragic events in Wad Madani, where South Sudanese nationals were slaughtered, left many of us in mourning but also in desperate need of answers and justice. Social media platforms became vital tools for South Sudanese people to communicate their grief, share vital information, and call for justice. These platforms provided an important means for South Sudanese citizens to organize and make their voices heard.
The government has effectively shut down these crucial channels of communication, cutting off the ability of citizens to seek justice or hold those responsible for the violence accountable. The decision has far-reaching consequences, not just for the ordinary citizen, but for the press, civil society groups, and human rights defenders, who rely on these platforms to expose abuses, report on injustices, and advocate for change. The government has obstructed an essential lifeline that has empowered people to share information that may be critical to the pursuit of justice.
Under Article 24 of South Sudan’s Transitional Constitution (2011), the right to freedom of expression is explicitly protected. This includes the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information, regardless of the medium. The decision to block social media goes directly against this provision, depriving citizens of their constitutional right to access information and express their opinions.
South Sudan, as a party to international treaties such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), is also legally bound by the obligations these agreements impose. Both instruments guarantee the right to freedom of expression, including the right to seek and disseminate information through any media. Specifically, Article 19 of the ICCPR guarantees the right to freedom of expression without interference, and the ACHPR’s Article 9 upholds the right to receive and share information.
By blocking social media platforms, the South Sudanese government is not only breaking national laws but also disregarding its international commitments. This breach undermines the very fabric of international human rights law, which South Sudan has signed up to protect.
While it is undeniably painful to witness the loss of South Sudanese lives in Sudan, and while there is a need for decisive action, the response of blocking social media is both disproportionate and damaging. Instead of addressing the underlying issues and providing a transparent response to the tragedy, the government has chosen to suppress communication.
This kind of blanket shutdown is a gross overreaction. The mass silencing of voices across the country does not solve any problems. Instead, it worsens the situation, increasing frustration and mistrust among the very people the government is meant to serve.
A much more constructive approach would be to allow open and honest communication during this time of crisis. The government should use this moment to demonstrate transparency, by providing information and updates regarding the investigation into the massacre in Wad Madani, and by assuring the people that justice will be pursued. Closing down social media only increases the perception of secrecy and creates a vacuum where misinformation and rumors can thrive.
I call on the government to immediately reverse this decision and restore access to social media. South Sudanese citizens should be allowed to communicate freely, share information, and demand accountability without fear of censorship. In times of crisis, it is more crucial than ever that citizens can engage with each other and with the government. The government should remember that its legitimacy hinges on respecting the rights of its people, not on limiting their freedom to speak out.
The tragedy in Wad Madani should inspire action and accountability, not further restrictions on communication. As South Sudan moves forward, it is essential that we prioritize justice, transparency, and respect for the rights of every citizen. Silencing our voices is not the answer. The government should restore access to social media and work to heal the wounds of this tragedy by upholding the values of human rights, freedom of expression, and democracy.
The author, James Bidal, is passionate about defending human rights and is a researcher. He can be reached via email at goodbidal@gmail.com
The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the responsibility of the author, not Radio Tamazuj.