A leading civil society figure has warned of a rising wave of hate speech and misinformation on social media platforms in South Sudan, saying the trend is contributing to division and worsening insecurity.
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), said platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and Clubhouse are increasingly being used to spread hostile messages rather than promote constructive dialogue.
He appealed to citizens both inside South Sudan and in the diaspora to avoid sharing content that fuels hatred or spreads unverified information, warning that such activity could deepen existing tensions.
“We must abstain from using hate speech and hateful sentiments,” Yakani said, urging users to prioritise peace and responsible communication online.
He said the situation on the ground remains fragile, noting that civilians continue to bear the brunt of clashes involving armed groups in different parts of the country.
According to him, the spread of misinformation online only worsens an already difficult environment.
Yakani echoed concerns previously raised by security agencies about the misuse of digital platforms to incite violence, saying coordinated action is needed to curb the trend.
He also called on international partners to help address individuals abroad who use social media to circulate inflammatory content about South Sudan.
The activist further cautioned against the growing use of AI-generated images and fabricated content to mislead the public, citing recent false reports of mass casualties in Akobo that were later debunked.
He urged social media users to verify information before sharing it, warning that misinformation can lead to panic and real-world consequences.
“Let us use social media for good purposes—to promote peace, unity, and truth,” he said, calling for collective responsibility in safeguarding national stability.
