Activist Raises Alarm Over Rising Misinformation and Hate Speech in South Sudan

(JUBA) – The Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization Edmund Yakani,  has raised concerns over what it describes as rising online misinformation and hate speech across South Sudan.

Yakani urged South Sudanese both at home and abroad to stop spreading hate speech and divisive propaganda on social media, saying the trend could negatively affect social cohesion across local communities.

In a statement extended to Access Radio News room on Thursday, Yakani said platforms like Facebook, TikTok and other online platforms are increasingly being misused to fuel tension and conflict, echoing concerns raised by the national police leadership recently.

Yakani stressed that the worsening security situation where civilians are suffering in other parts of the country due to clashes between armed groups is being aggravated by misinformation and hostile online narratives.

He also highlighted the spread of false content including AI-generated images, citing a debunked claim about a crisis in Akobo.

He called on Western governments to hold individuals accountable for using social media to incite instability and urged citizens to verify information before sharing it.

Yakani appealed to South Sudanese communities to embrace unity and encouraged South Sudanese to use social media responsibly to promote peace, truth and national cohesion.