Internet Shutdowns

On 22 January 2025, the National Communications Authority of the Republic of South Sudan instructed Internet Service Providers (ISPs) across the country to begin blocking “all social media accounts” for a minimum of 30 days and potentially a maximum of 90 days. The justification was to prevent the further distribution of graphic content related to the ongoing violence in neighboring Sudan.

Multiple ISPs have indicated that they will begin blocking Facebook and TikTok. The status of additional social media services is not yet known.

On 23 January 2025, the Internet Society South Sudan Chapter issued a letter to the government agencies documenting their concerns about the impact of this social media ban and calling on the government to reconsider such a drastic action.

On 27 January 2025, the National Communication Authority lifted the order on blocking Facebook and TikTok.

Posts on social media (example) have circulated a letter from the National Communication Authority of South Sudan to all Internet Service Providers (ISPs). The letter directs ISPs to block access to “all social media accounts” effective from midnight of 22 January 2025 for a minimum of 30 days to a maximum of 90 days.

Internet Service providers MTN South Sudan, Zain, and Digitel issued notices that they would begin blocking Facebook and TikTok:

On 27 January 2025, the National Communications Authority lifted the blocking of Facebook and TikTok in a letter that stated:

Subject: Lifting of the Blockage of Facebook and TikTok Operations in South Sudan

Dear All,
Following our directives Ref: RSSJ/NCA/25/00057 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. We appreciate your cooperation in helping the Authority fulfill its mandate.

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.

In conjunction with this decision, we urge all our licensees with cache servers of Facebook and Tik Tok 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 the social media platform operators (Meta and Tik Tok).

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. By lifting of this blockage of Facebook and TikTok operations, we wish to foster a safer digital environment and promote peace and stability in the country.

The Authority will be reaching out for a consolidated approach to avoid future shutdowns.

People on social media confirmed that the services were once again reachable.