The secretary general of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) has emphasized the need for responsible expression on social media.
"The SPLM is for freedom of expression and speech. But when it is abused, it becomes a crime," said Peter Lam Both, told reporters in Juba on Tuesday.
While affirming the SPLM's stance on freedom of expression and speech, Lam made it clear that the party has the capacity to shut down social media if necessary.
"We have the capacity to shut down social media in South Sudan. We are the ones who are saying don't shut down social media as SPLM," Lam explained.
However, Lam threatened to take action if social media became a threat to the SPLM.
"If we put our hands up, if social media becomes an anti-SPLM, we will put our hands up. And will allow those who have the capacity to shut it down to do that," he stated.
He also compared South Sudan's social media freedom to that of other nations.
"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. I'm not even talking about big countries like China. So let us not push the button," he stressed.
"Let us not abuse the freedom of speech. It will end up with you. By being locked out, you cannot use any of these social media outlets. You may remain with your phone. So that's what it is."
The leader refuted various false reports disseminated on social media, including a planned ruling party retreat in Rumbek, Lakes State.
He also addressed a rumor about the president’s health as false.
Santo Malek Anai, SPLM's secretary for Political Affairs, Organization, and Mobilization, acknowledged the increasing challenges posed by online platforms, especially in dealing with individuals who spread harmful or inflammatory content.
"Things are not going to look the same again. So, as you say, things are going to look tough to deal with the warmongers of the social media," Malek asserted.
Hon. Oliver Mori, spokesperson of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) stated that lawmakers took part in induction training on cybercrimes.
“A couple of days ago, lawmakers were trained. So, experts came in to reveal the defects, the shortcomings of cybercrimes and what is supposed to be done before a public hearing,” Mori told this outlet on Wednesday in an interview.
“We have an expert. He is going to work on the cybercrime draft bill, which will be brought to us in the committee. We will go through it, and after that we shall call a public hearing for all members of parliament, including the public.”
Last week, there were claims on social media of unrest inside the army headquarters that had gone viral on Tuesday, November 26.
Many citizens feared it could signal a return to instability in the country.
However, President Salva Kiir categorically rejected these claims, emphasizing that the country’s security forces, including the army and other agencies, are working harmoniously to uphold peace.
Kiir stated that those behind the false reports are people who benefit from chaos and war.
The president’s address ended with a clear message: "Learn to defy these rumors; never take them seriously, because they are lies."
