Networks in Sudan were reportedly switched off by government troops, engulfing the nation in a communicaitons blackout, as the country continues to suffer under a civil war started 10 months ago.
Reuters reported the Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) began shutting down networks on February 5 and completing the black out on February 7.
State-owned operator Sudani stated on February 12 it had begun restoring its network, subscribers reported signal was back online in Port Sudan and surrounding locations.
The RSF controls swathes of capital city Khartoum including the headquarters of Sudatel Group, Sudani’s parent company.
The blackout interrupted aid deliveries and prevented almost 50 million people from making payments or contacting the outside world.
Sources speaking to Reuters said the RSF had threatened blackouts unless engineers restored services in the western Darfur region, where RSF soldiers had endured a blackout for months. A telecom official blamed the blackout on lack of fuel and dangerous working conditions.
The Sudanese government had ordered its population to cease using Starlink terminals to tap into the internet. Citizens have bemoaned the lack of connectivity has prevented access to e-wallets in which Sudanese citizens have grown reliant on for commerce and communication.
