By South Sudan Youth Reforms (SSYR)
July 2025
Several incidents since 2023 have seen MTN South Sudan and Zain South Sudan networks vanish in key counties across Upper Nile—just before government troops moved in.
“It always happens before something bad,” said a youth leader from Ulang. “When we lose network, we know something is coming. It’s like they don’t want the outside world to know.”
These blackouts prevent warnings, media reporting, and emergency response—turning silence into a deadly tool.
Despite oil wealth, Upper Nile ranks among the lowest in digital access across South Sudan:
| Region | Mobile Coverage (%) | Internet Access (%) | Active SIM Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juba (Central Equatoria) | 85% | 47% | High |
| Malakal (Upper Nile HQ) | 52% | 18% | Moderate |
| Nasir & Ulang | 18% | <6% | Very Low |
“We don’t decide when to switch off a tower. Sometimes we are told it’s for ‘security operations.’ We cannot refuse.” — Anonymous telecom technician, Malakal
Providers like MTN and Zain allegedly receive informal instructions from security agencies to cut or limit access in target regions. There are no formal memos—just silence and fear.
Telecoms that once promised to connect South Sudan are now being used to disconnect it—selectively and strategically. Communities cannot organize, alert, or survive if they are digitally isolated.
“Silence is not peace. And cutting off the signal doesn’t stop the truth — it only delays justice.”