Activist warns of rising hate sentiments on social media, reminding public of the sensitivity of the political environment ahead of the polls

By James Chatim

Edmund Yakani, activist and Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO). [Photo: Courtesy]

The Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Edmund Yakani, says there is currently a sharp rise in hate speech, hostile propaganda and disinformation across the country, despite public preparing for the elections.

In a recorded statement released on Monday, October 12, Yakani said CEPO’s early warning system has been tracking hate speech across social media platforms,including Facebook, WhatsApp, among others, and recorded an increase in the inciteful engagements.

He warned that this is a sensitive season in the country, charged with political activity as parties embark on primaries and candidates declare their interests in various seats.

“We have seen already emerging negative culture associated with this electoral process. There is already indication of a rise in hate speech, hate sentiments, hostile propaganda, and defamation,” Yakani said.

“Through our tracking system, we want to alert South Sudanese that whether you are in the country or diaspora, we are all over social media tracking. And we are doing this seriously. I know that some of you are not using real names, you’re using pseudonyms, but we are able to track and identify,” the activist stated.

Yakani called on all candidates, campaign managers, political parties and voters to engage responsibly and avoid misinformation and defamation.

“Abstain from engaging on matters of hate speech, hate sentiment, hostile propaganda, defamation, misinformation and disinformation. Avoid providing fake information to people. This can be harmful,” he said.

He also appealed to state authorities to proactively counter hate speech and fake news, and urged the National Elections Commission (NEC) to establish a dedicated unit to handle hate speech and disinformation.

“We must have peaceful and non-violent election where hate speech, hate sentiments, hostile propaganda, misinformation, disinformation, and defamation are not being practiced by any person, whether a candidate, or campaign managers,” Yakani said.