The government of South Sudan has imposed a 90-day ban on social media platforms, including Facebook and TikTok, in response to violent incidents and unrest triggered by the circulation of sensitive videos online. The move aims to prevent further escalation of the situation and maintain national security.

The ban, which was announced on Wednesday, comes after a series of violent incidents in the capital city of Juba and other areas, resulting in the deaths of at least 16 Sudanese people. The unrest was sparked by videos showing purported murders of South Sudanese citizens in the state of El Gezira, Sudan. The videos, which were shared on social media, led to rioting and retaliatory assaults, with youths setting fire to homes and looting stores owned by Sudanese citizens.

According to authorities, the ban is necessary to prevent the spread of misinformation and inflammatory content that could further fuel the violence. In a letter to internet service providers, Napoleon Adok, the director general of the National Communications Authority, cited the need to protect the South Sudanese population from "unprecedented levels of extreme violence" being promoted through social media posts.

The ban has significant implications for the country's citizens, particularly those who rely on social media for their livelihoods. Isaac Anthony Lumori, a popular South Sudanese musician and founder of a comedy show, expressed concerns about the impact of the ban on his work. "The effect is a bit huge because as an artist, I depend so much on social media," he said, urging the government to seek an amicable solution to the issue.

The Sudanese army has downplayed the unrest in El Gezira, characterizing it as "individual violations." However, the incident has raised concerns about the role of social media in fueling violence and the need for governments to take measures to prevent the spread of harmful content online.

The ban in South Sudan is not an isolated incident. Other African countries, such as Mauritius, have also imposed social media bans in the past, citing national security concerns. The move raises questions about the balance between freedom of expression and national security, and the role of governments in regulating online content.

As the ban takes effect, South Sudanese citizens will be unable to access social media platforms for up to 90 days, pending a review of the situation. The move is likely to have significant implications for the country's digital landscape and the livelihoods of those who depend on social media.