South Sudan has officially lifted its ban on Facebook and TikTok, effective January 28, 2025, after successfully achieving its goal of removing violent and graphic content from the platforms.
The National Communications Authority (NCA), in announcing the decision in a statement issued on January 27, 2025, said that the restriction imposed earlier in the year had served its purpose.
The NCA’s directive, initially issued on January 22, 2025, ordered internet service providers to block access to Facebook and TikTok for a period of up to 90 days.
This was in response to disturbing videos and images of violent attacks on South Sudanese refugees in Sudan, which were circulating on social media platforms.
NCA Director General Napoleon Adok Gai explained that the content, which posed significant risks to public safety and mental health, especially among vulnerable groups, had been successfully removed.
“We are pleased to report that the primary objective of removing graphic and inflammatory content has been successfully achieved,” Gai said in the directive.
As of midnight on January 27, 2025, the ban has been lifted, and internet service providers have been instructed to restore access to both Facebook and TikTok.
MTN South Sudan confirmed that its customers would now be able to access the platforms.
“MTN South Sudan wishes to inform its esteemed customers that the previously announced restriction on Facebook and TikTok applications and web pages has been lifted effective 28 January 2025,” the company said in a statement.
The authority urged all internet providers hosting cache servers for Facebook and TikTok in South Sudan to actively participate in the monitoring efforts.
“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,” he stated.
The week-long ban drew reactions from the public, with some supporting the decision to address online incitement. Others raised concerns over the impact on the freedom of expression and access to information.
