By Bosco Bush
Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) party Secretary-General, Peter Lam Both has warned that South Sudan may be forced to shut down social media platforms if they continue to be misused for propaganda and defamation.
He said that while the SPLM supports freedom of expression, abuse of this right will be considered a crime.
“We have the capacity to shut down social media in South Sudan. We have that. And don’t dare people. We are the ones who are saying don’t shut down social media as SPLM. But if we put our hands up, if social media becomes anti-SPLM, we will put our hands up and we’ll allow those who have the capacity to shut it down to do that,” he said.
His comments came in response to circulating rumors on social media, which he said falsely claimed that Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, the Presidential Envoy on Special Programs, had been sworn in as acting president and had ordered an audit of the first family’s accounts by the Central Bank Governor.
“You know, even in the region here, you don’t have access to social media the way you have it here in South Sudan. Even in Ethiopia here, you don’t have it,” he said.
“So, let us not push the button. Let us not abuse the freedom of speech. It will end up with you by being locked out and you cannot use any of these social media outlets. You may remain with your phone. So, that’s what it is,” Lam added.
The official’s warning has sparked debate and concern among citizens, with many fearing a potential crackdown on online freedom of expression.
Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) criticizes the threat calling on SPLM party to reconsider any plans to shut down social media platforms and instead focus on developing strategies to mitigate the negative effects of social media.
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, argued that while shutting down social media platforms may seem like a quick solution, a more effective approach would be to create a comprehensive strategy that addresses and reduces the harmful use of these platforms.
“Shutting down social media platforms is not the solution, but designing a strategy for mitigating the negative use of social media is the concrete and best approach,” said Yakani.
Recent surveys by CEPO have highlighted a troubling rise in aggressive and extremist content on platforms like Clubhouse, which could lead to increased ethnic tensions and violence in South Sudan.
Yakani further urged political and social leaders to refrain from using social media to spread aggression, extremism, and political division.