Sudan’s prolonged communications blackout continues to plague large parts of the country, leaving millions cut off from vital information and economic lifelines for over two months. While some mobile network providers are gradually restoring partial services, the disruption remains severe, causing hardship for civilians already grappling with the fallout of armed conflict.
Scenes like that of Zainab Mirghani, a 52-year-old lawyer unable to access her funds from closed banks in Port Sudan, underscore the far-reaching consequences of the blackout. Business owners like Muhammad Ali, a Port Sudan bus operator, have seen their livelihoods dwindle as potential customers remain isolated.
This humanitarian crisis stems from the devastating nine-month war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The fighting has caused extensive damage to telecommunications infrastructure, including cell towers and crucial electricity grids.
Telecom providers like Sudani and Zain are struggling to restore services. The scale of the damage, coupled with ongoing clashes, makes it difficult to ensure reliable data and voice connectivity. MTN, Sudan’s largest telecom operator, remains completely offline in many parts of the nation.
Sudatel, with its operations centered in Port Sudan on the Red Sea, is the notable exception, offering a lifeline for some. However, many other areas remain completely cut off.
Amidst conflicting accounts, experts agree that the blackout constitutes a violation of international law with potentially severe consequences for civilians. Zain’s CEO has accused the RSF of deliberately disrupting services and using the communications crisis as a bargaining chip. However, the RSF denies responsibility.
Desperate Measures: The Rise of Starlink
With traditional telecommunications networks unreliable or non-existent, many in Sudan have turned to Starlink satellite internet. While not licensed to operate within the nation, the wartime necessity has made it a vital tool, especially for those with the means to afford it.
The Sudanese government’s recent approval for humanitarian responders to import telecommunications equipment offers a glimmer of hope. However, the complex logistics involved in restoring nationwide connectivity suggest that a full resolution may still be a long way off.
Beyond the internal consequences, Sudan’s communications blackout cuts the nation off from the rest of the world. Information sharing has been severely hampered, making it difficult to document the extent of the crisis on the ground and mobilize international aid efforts.
