The African Internet Rights Alliance (AIRA) strongly condemns the directive issued by the National Communication Authority (NCA) of South Sudan ordering a nationwide blockage of social media platforms for a minimum of 30 days, with the possibility of extending the ban to 90 days. This sweeping measure, which claims to address public safety concerns amid regional instability, is a blatant violation of fundamental human rights and threatens the democratic principles enshrined in South Sudan’s legal framework and international obligations.
A Dangerous Precedent for Digital Rights in Africa
The internet, and particularly social media, serves as a vital tool for civic engagement, economic participation, and access to information. The unilateral decision to restrict access undermines not only the rights of South Sudanese citizens but also erodes trust in digital governance. Blanket bans of this nature set a dangerous precedent for censorship and authoritarian control across the continent.
“This shutdown is a direct attack on freedom of expression and access to information—two pillars of any functioning democracy. Governments must seek proportionate and rights-respecting responses to crises instead of resorting to collective punishment that isolates citizens and stifles dialogue,” said Adeboro Odunlami, Coordinator of AIRA.
Past experiences in Africa have shown that internet restrictions exacerbate tensions rather than alleviate them. By limiting access to platforms that facilitate communication, the government is effectively silencing critical voices, limiting press freedom, and hindering humanitarian and economic activities.
Legal and Human Rights Violations
The South Sudanese government’s actions are in clear violation of the country’s Transitional Constitution, Article 24, which guarantees the right to freedom of expression and access to information. Additionally, the move contravenes international human rights instruments to which South Sudan is a party, including:
- The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), which upholds the right to free expression and access to information.
- The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), particularly Article 19, restricts any limitations on expression unless they are legal, necessary, and proportionate.
- The African Declaration on Internet Rights and Freedoms, which underscores the role of the Internet in fostering open societies.
“Such actions do not enhance security; they deepen mistrust and drive public discourse underground, potentially exacerbating misinformation and unrest,” added Angela Minayo, Digital Rights and Policy Programs Officer at Article19 Eastern Africa.
We also remind the government of South Sudan of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) Resolution 362, which explicitly urges states to refrain from imposing internet shutdowns and to uphold their commitments to transparency and accountability.
Economic and Social Consequences
Beyond the suppression of fundamental rights, the economic ramifications of such shutdowns are severe. Reports already show that internet disruptions in Africa result in billions of dollars in economic losses. South Sudan, which is already facing significant economic challenges, cannot afford the additional strain caused by the disruption of digital-dependent businesses, remittances, and essential services.
The shutdown disproportionately affects marginalised and vulnerable communities, particularly young people and women, who rely on social media for education, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. It also curtails the ability of humanitarian organisations to disseminate crucial information in times of crisis.
AIRA urges the South Sudanese government to:
- Immediately rescind the directive and restore full access to social media platforms in accordance with constitutional and international human rights obligations.
- Engage in transparent dialogue with civil society, legal experts, and digital rights advocates to address concerns without resorting to oppressive measures.
- Commit to non-recurrence, ensuring future public safety concerns are addressed through proportionate and rights-respecting interventions.
- Uphold transparency by disclosing the legal basis for such directives and allowing judicial review to ensure compliance with the rule of law.
- Respect corporate social responsibility standards and refrain from coercing Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to engage in rights-violating practices.
We also call upon the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), and other international actors to hold the government of South Sudan accountable and work towards ensuring a free and open digital space across Africa.
The African Internet Rights Alliance stands in solidarity with the people of South Sudan and reiterates its commitment to defending digital rights across the continent. We urge all stakeholders to take immediate action to prevent further violations and promote an inclusive digital future.
Signed:
The African Internet Rights Alliance
Amnesty International, Kenya
ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa
BudgIT
CIPIT
The Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA)
KICTANet
Legal Resources Centre
Paradigm Initiative (PIN)
Pollicy
