Sudanese Protesters. Photo: AFP
Juba, January 8, 2019 (SSNA) — The media authority in South Sudan has issued an order, barring all media outlets in the country to cover the ongoing protests in Sudan, a statement released by the agency acting director shows.
Sapana Abuyi, the acting director of South Sudan Media Authority (SSMA) said Sudan is a “friendly nation” and that any media house operating in the country should not broadcast or write a statement that could further instigate the problem.
“The ongoing protests in Khartoum are internal issues affecting a friendly nation, the media in South Sudan should not write or broadcast instigative statements and comments about it,” Sapana said.
The South Sudan News Agency (SSNA) understands that the order comes days after the Juba-based Al Watan newspaper run several articles Khartoum deemed to be supportive of the views of protesters. The SSNA was also told that Mr. Sapana ordered the paper to publish an official apology within three days, asserting that South Sudan media houses should not involve in “internal affairs” of Sudan.
Sudan has recently been hit by protests over price hike of bread and other food commodities.