Advocacy in Action: How the South Sudan Chapter Responded to Internet Restrictions

This article discusses the actions taken by the Internet Society South Sudan Chapter in response to a government-mandated ban on TikTok and Facebook. The chapter advocated for lifting the ban, highlighting its adverse effects on communication, businesses, and the economy. Their efforts led to the ban being lifted within a week, emphasizing the essential role of social media in contemporary communication and economic activity.

On January 22, 2025, the National Communications Authority of the Republic of South Sudan mandated Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block TikTok and Facebook for at least 30 days. This directive aimed to suppress the spread of violent content related to the situation in neighboring Sudan. However, the Internet Society South Sudan Chapter recognized the severe impact this would have on communication and economic activities in the nation.

In a prompt response, the South Sudan Chapter of the Internet Society urged the government to reconsider the ban, emphasizing the repercussions on communication, human rights, and the free flow of information. The chapter appeared on a prominent radio station to raise awareness and submitted a formal statement to both the National Communication Authority and the Ministry of Information, Technology, Communications, and Postal Service. By January 27, the authority rescinded the ban, echoing much of the chapter’s original statement in their announcement.

The temporary ban on social media severely disrupted the operations of businesses across South Sudan. For instance, Swangin Scopas from Zain, a mobile communications provider, expressed that the social media shutdown hindered real-time customer support, leading to delayed responses and limited interaction. The inability to communicate effectively resulted in significant challenges for customer relations and operational efficiency.

The Internet environment in South Sudan is characterized by a population of approximately 11.9 million, with only 12% utilizing the Internet. The low Internet Resilience Index score of 26% illustrates the vulnerability of the country’s digital infrastructure. The impact of the social media ban extended beyond immediate communication issues, affecting marketing efforts, sales, and customer loyalty across various sectors.

Furthermore, the disruption affected internal operations, as social media tools are integral for team collaboration and communication. The South Sudan Chapter’s advocacy was essential in minimizing the duration of the ban, emphasizing that even short-term disruptions can lead to economic decline and increased unemployment.

Gama, a representative, noted that social media has evolved into a vital form of communication, especially during periods of instability. The chapter attempted to convey that while the government’s concerns were understood, the ban’s negative consequences far outweighed its intended benefits to the public health and economic stability of South Sudan.

The efforts of the Internet Society South Sudan Chapter exemplify the importance of advocacy in safeguarding communication rights during governmental restrictions. Monitoring ongoing Internet shutdowns can provide further insights into the challenges faced in the digital landscape and can aid in sharing personal experiences related to these hardships.

The swift response of the Internet Society South Sudan Chapter effectively mitigated the potential long-term effects of the government’s social media ban. By raising awareness and articulating the significant consequences of such restrictions, the chapter ensured the ban was lifted within days. This incident underlines the critical role of digital communication in economic stability and highlights the importance of advocacy in protecting citizens’ rights to information and connectivity.

Original Source: www.internetsociety.org