Communication Authority lifts suspension of Facebook and TikTok

The National Communication Authority (NCA) has lifted the temporary ban on Facebook and TikTok which was imposed last week following the circulation of videos depicting the killings of South Sudanese in Sudan.

By Benjamin Takpiny

The National Communication Authority (NCA) has lifted the temporary ban on Facebook and TikTok which was imposed last week following the circulation of videos depicting the killings of South Sudanese in Sudan.

The telecommunication regulator issued the directive on Monday, in a letter addressed to the internet service providers (ISP) on the lifting of the ban on Monday night.

“Following our directives issued on Wednesday, January 22nd   2025, regarding the blockage of Facebook and TikTok in the Republic of South Sudan, we are pleased to report that the primary objective of removing graphic and inflammatory content has been successfully achieved. As a result of this achievement, the NCA hereby announces the lifting of the blockage of Facebook and TikTok, effective today at 00:00 hours, January 27th 2025,” said NCA Director General, Napoleon Adok Gai in a letter addressed to Internet service providers.

Adok appreciated the cooperation by the Internet service providers in helping the Authority fulfill its mandate.

“In conjunction with this decision, we urge all our licensees with cache servers of Facebook and TikTok being hosted in South Sudan to actively participate in monitoring these social media platforms and to assist in reporting inflammatory and graphic content that should be pulled down by (Meta and Tik Tok) the social media platform operators,” he said.

Adok noted that the rise of violence linked to social media content in South Sudan underscores the need for a balanced approach that addresses the root causes of online incitement while protecting the rights of the population.

He added that the lifting of the suspension of Facebook and TikTok operations, aims to foster a safer digital environment and promote peace and stability in the country.

“The authority will be reaching out for consolidated approach to avoid shutdowns,” said Adok.

On January 22nd, NCA ordered internet service providers to block access to Facebook and TikTok for three months, following violent demonstrations over the killings of South Sudanese nationals by the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and allied forces on January 11, in Wad Medani, Al Jazirah State in Sudan.

At least 16 Sudanese nationals were killed in two days of violent riots since January 16, which also left Sudanese -owned shops looted and vandalized across the country.

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