Internet users in South Sudan can breathe a sigh of relief as the government has reversed its decision to ban social media platforms Facebook and TikTok. The ban, which was imposed last week, has been lifted following the removal of graphic content from the platforms.

The ban was initially put in place in response to the circulation of graphic videos allegedly depicting the killings of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan. These images sparked violent protests and retaliatory attacks across the country, prompting the government to take action to curb rising revenge violence.

In a letter dated January 27, the National Communications Authority informed telecom and internet providers that the graphic content had been removed from social media platforms, leading to the lifting of the ban. The move is seen as a welcome development for the country's internet users, who had been affected by the ban.

Major telecom companies, including MTN and Zain, have welcomed the decision to lift the ban. MTN, South Sudan's largest mobile operator with 1.7 million subscribers, expressed support for the decision, stating that it would continue to support the regulators in promoting a safer digital space for all South Sudanese. Zain South Sudan also celebrated the lifting of the ban, informing its users that they could now connect, create, and share freely on their favorite platforms using the Zain network.

The initial ban had sparked concerns about the impact on freedom of expression and access to information in the country. The National Communications Authority had stated that the rise of violence linked to social media content in South Sudan underscored the need for a balanced approach that addressed the root causes of online incitement while protecting the rights of the population.

The lifting of the ban is seen as a positive development for the country, which has been grappling with issues of violence and instability. It remains to be seen how the government will balance the need to regulate online content with the need to protect freedom of expression and access to information.

The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by governments in regulating social media content, particularly in countries where online incitement can have serious offline consequences. As social media continues to play an increasingly important role in shaping public discourse and opinion, governments will need to find ways to address these challenges while protecting the rights of their citizens.