JUBA, South Sudan: South Sudanese authorities on Wednesday ordered telecoms to block access to social media for at least 30 days, citing concerns over the dissemination of graphic content relating to the ongoing violence against South Sudanese in neighboring Sudan.
The temporary ban, which could be extended to up to 90 days, will come into force at midnight Thursday, according to a directive from the National Communication Authority, NCA, to telecom companies stressing that the measure was necessary to protect the public.
“This directive may be lifted as soon as the situation is contained,” the NCA said. “The contents depicted violate our local laws and pose a significant threat to public safety and mental health.”
Many South Sudanese have been angered by footage from Sudan that purports to show killings by militia groups of South Sudanese in Gezira state. South Sudanese authorities imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Jan. 17 after a night of retaliatory violence during which shops owned by Sudanese traders were looted.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the African Union Commission, condemned “the brutal killings of South Sudanese nationals” in Sudan and urged restraint.
Civil war in Sudan has created a widening famine and the world’s largest displacement crisis. Fighting between forces loyal to rival military leaders exploded in the capital, Khartoum, in April 2023 and has since spread to other areas.
The conflict has been marked by atrocities, including ethnically motivated killing and rape, according to the UN and rights groups.
South Sudan orders temporary ban on social media over violence in neighboring Sudan
https://arab.news/cr23b
South Sudan orders temporary ban on social media over violence in neighboring Sudan
- Many South Sudanese have been angered by footage from Sudan that purports to show killings by militia groups of South Sudanese in Gezira state
Al-Ahsa governor meets Saudi Journalists Association chairman, board members
- Prince Saud briefed on SJA’s activities including enhancing media ecosystem, developing local talent
LONDON: Al-Ahsa Gov. Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr on Monday met with the Saudi Journalists Association’s Chairman Adhwan Mohammed Al-Ahmari, members of its board of directors, and the head of the local branch, at the governorate’s headquarters.
Prince Saud was briefed on the SJA board’s efforts to help regulate the work of journalists, enhance professionalism, develop the media environment, and help train and empower national talent.
He was also updated on the association’s programs to support responsible media, strengthen local and international partnerships, and host domestic and foreign media delegations currently visiting the governorate.
The governor said Saudi Arabia’s leadership has helped to modernize the media industry and strengthen its presence at home and abroad.
He underlined the role of professional media in showcasing national achievements and values, and deepening engagement between all sectors of society.
Al-Ahmari thanked Prince Saud for supporting the media in Al-Ahsa and his commitment to developing the industry across the region.
