South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
The South Sudan media regulator on Wednesday urged members of the general public and those in the diaspora to refrain from inciting violence in the aftermath of the brutal killings of South Sudanese in El Gezira State, Sudan.
“Social media users in both Sudan and South Sudan, including those in the diaspora are urged to refrain from actions that may incite violence or promote hatred because such behaviors are detrimental to peace and security of both countries,” said Elijah Alier Kuai, the Managing Director of the Media Authority at a press conference in Juba.
Alier said they have observed rising trends of hate speech and incitement to violence across social media platforms, adding that the digital land escape in Sudan and South Sudan has become a double edged sword.
He noted that while digital platforms play essential role in facilitating communication and awareness, they are also being used to spread misinformation and hate speech.
“Social media users are reminded that promoting hate speech, sharing graphic content and footage with the intent to incite violence carries legal consequences,” said Alier.
He called on members of the general public and institutions to foster dialogue, understanding and peace.
Alier also emphasized the need for collective responsibility to ensure harmony among South Sudanese and Sudanese.
He called for conflict-sensitive reporting to shape public perception and prevent misinformation.
“Let us remember that peace is not just about the absence of conflict, it is the presence of justice, respect and understanding and each of us has a role to play in fostering an environment free from hate and violence,” said Alier.
Riots erupted in South Sudan’s capital Juba and elsewhere in the country on Thursday and Friday, with protesters angry about what they believed was the involvement of Sudan’s military and allied groups in the killings of South Sudanese on January 11 in El Gezira State.
The rioters, targeted and attacked Sudanese nationals, looted and vandalized their businesses in revenge for the killings of their counterparts by the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), after they recaptured El Gezira State from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.