Juba, South Sudan
March 18, 2022—South Sudan’s Minister of Information, Communication, Technology and Postal services, Hon. Michael Makuei Lueth, warns South Sudanese citizens to use Facebook in good faith by spreading the gospel of peace, social coexistence and reconciliation or else it will be censored by the government.
Makuei, who doubles as the Government official spokesperson, said failure to comply with country’s public order might lead to closure of the internet.
In a brief statement obtained by Nyamilepedia, Makuei urges citizens to use their social media to advance peace instead of unnecessary hate speeches in the country or else measures to suspend the internet might be launched.
“.. Use social media to promote peace and harmony and not to spread hate. Otherwise, if the government feels it can’t control it, we will be forced to shutdown, so use Facebook to promote peace”, Information Minister Makuei said on Wednesday in a brief statement obtained by Nyamilepedia.
It’s not the first time for Makuei to threaten reporters without borders to exercise their rights to freedom of press and expression in positive ways demanding that should they not comply with the order, the government could shutdown the internet.
In August last year, the Government shutdown the internet following unsuccessful attempt by a think-tank coalition of civil society and political activists to protest, demanding the resignation of the President and the First Vice President from power.
The government has also made several attempt to shutdown independent media houses, blacklisting some out and/or arresting journalists whenever the security forces deem necessary.
