Over 14 million Sudanese affected by the internet shutdown

Sudan is facing a severe internet blackout, with all three major internet operators offline for several days. This disruption, confirmed by internet observatory NetBlocks, impacts millions of people, especially those in conflict zones or seeking refuge. The blackout threatens e-wallets, crucial in a country grappling with a cash shortage. The cause of the outage remains unclear, with conflicting accusations between the Sudanese leadership and the government-controlled paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF denies responsibility and accuses the Sudanese army of cutting off digital communications in various regions due to military operations.

The civil war between the RSF and the Sudanese army has led to a humanitarian crisis, displacing millions and drawing UN attention. Recent disputes suggest RSF interference with telecom infrastructure, potentially in protest of communication issues. Internet freedom watchdog NetBlocks reports a collapse in connectivity, affecting major providers and leaving 14 million users without access. Zain, a major mobile operator, acknowledges the blackout’s challenges, attributing it to external factors. In response, hacktivist group Anonymous Sudan targets jurisdictions associated with the RSF, disrupting Djibouti Telecom and causing disruptions in Uganda. Sudan’s history of internet restrictions, with a $12.4 million loss in 2023, places it among African nations limiting internet access.

Why does it matter?

The internet blackout in Sudan is exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in conflict zones and hindering economic activities, especially in a country grappling with cash shortages. The dispute over responsibility for the blackout also underscores the complex dynamics of the ongoing civil war, with control over communication infrastructure becoming a strategic and contentious element.