Nation Security blocks four news websites as gov't crackdown on independent media

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PaanLuel Wel website, along with Sudan Tribune, Radio Tamazuj and Nyamilepedia, has been blocked in South Sudan by the national security

July 17, 2017 (SSB) — Done with Riek and Malong, and ravaged by debilitating economic crisis, the gov’t has found a fresher enemy in the media as four websites–Sudan Tribune, PaanLuel Wel, Tamazuj and Nyamilepedia–got blocked in South Sudan. Congratulations Comrade Salva Kiir Mayaardit. December 2013 should have been better, however, if the intention is to stop anti-gov’t websites and media group.

The following four websites below are blocked in South Sudan under the instruction of the national government in Juba, apparently for being anti-government; further discussions underway between Vivacell, Zain and MTN on one hand, and the government, on the other, for the blocking of Facebook on phone internet.

www.sudantribune.com Both English and Arabic version

https://paanluelwel.com English Version

https://radiotamajuz.org Both English and Arabic version

https://nyamile.com English version

JULY 17, 2017 / 7:57 PM / 3 HOURS AGO

REUTERS: South Sudanese media accuse government of blocking their websites

NAIROBI (Reuters) – Four South Sudanese news websites and blogs have been partially blocked, internet users and a broadcaster said on Monday, blaming it on a government crackdown on independent media.

Radio Tamazuj, a Dutch-backed radio station and website, announced on its Twitter account that it had been blocked in South Sudan. Some internet users told Reuters that the Paris-based Sudan Tribune news website was also affected on some mobile phone and Wi-Fi networks.

“This site has been blocked by South Sudan National Communication Authority,” read an image forwarded to Reuters by two separate local internet users, which popped up when they tried to access the Sudan Tribune.

Others told Reuters the popular Paanluel Wel and Nyamilepedia blogs were also blocked by some internet service providers.

A National Communication Authority official who would not give his name told Reuters the order to block the websites was “government policy.”

Last week, South Sudan’s National Security Service arrested the director of the state television company for not transmitting a live broadcast of a speech by President Salva Kiir, according to his wife.

Earlier this year, the Foreign Correspondents Association of East Africa announced that at least 20 foreign journalists had been denied entry by authorities.

South Sudan, which won independence from Sudan in 2011, plunged into civil conflict in December 2013.

Editing by Duncan Miriri and Robin Pomeroy

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PaanLuel Wël

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PaanLuel Wël is the founder and editor-in-chief of PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd, a news website that covers news, opinions, analysis, history, culture and literature of South Sudan and the world. Founded in July 2011 by PaanLuel Wël to create a platform for free expression and constructive dialogue, the website features articles from various contributors, including columnists, commentators, poets, authors, activists and academics. PaanLuel Wël believes that media can play a vital role in informing, educating and empowering the people to participate in nation-building and social transformation. He also believes that media can foster a culture of dialogue, tolerance and diversity among different communities and groups, and hopes to inspire and mentor the next generation of South Sudanese writers and journalists.

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