Content Note: The following post contains references to war crimes, sexual assault, murder, and death.
Almost a year has passed since then a conflict broke out Clashes broke out in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Internet shutdowns during Sudan’s conflict have exacerbated the suffering of millions of people, denying them access to aid when they need it most.
The latest data from Sudan paints a dire picture. Since April 15, 2023, the conflict in Sudan has tragically claimed lives. Over 13,000 Individuals, cause what is described as “One of the world’s worst humanitarian crises” that’s all 9 million Displaced people are occurring within Sudan. 1.7 million He fled to a neighboring country.in total 10.7 million people The World Food Program (WFP) has warned that the crisis is causing displacement.The world’s worst hunger crisis‘ is approaching.
Amid this devastation and chaos, Sudanese citizens have suffered repeated internet blackouts as the RSF and SAF have exploited network disruptions to control the flow of information in opposition-held areas.as stories of those affected Documents, these power outages caused people to leave Feeling disconnected, stuck, hungry, and scared.. They are cutting off access to emergency services and medicine, freezing access to banking services and funds, preventing citizens from applying for official travel documents or leaving the country, and disrupting work and study. Millions of people are isolated from their loved ones inside and outside Sudan.
latest shutdown
In February 2024, an internet power outage occurred. is believed to have been caused RSF’s takeover of an internet service provider’s (ISP) data center in Khartoum has resulted in February 2, plunging the entire country into darkness. This created further challenges to what was already an extremely dangerous situation and complicated ongoing efforts. emergency aid and humanitarian aidas well as blocking consular servicesaccess to Important informationand financial transactions.The power outage lasted for a while almost 10 daysis urging major ISPs to: Zane Sudan, Sudaniand MTN Sudan To apologize for the confusion.
after a few weeks confusion, connectivity levels gradually returned to normal in March. Zain Sudan has successfully restored service March 3rd The company establishes a new data center in Port Sudan City, operating From there.Other ISP etc. Sudanimain operator of Sudatel, and the connection was slowly restored again. Sudan’s president announced a gradual return to coverage of all Sudanese regions in 2016. February and Early Marchwhich one promoted By establishing a new data center in Port Sudan.
It remains essential that connectivity is fully restored and maintained. Below are five stories we collected. Shutdown Impact Story Project To shed light on the impact of the recent internet shutdown in Sudan on the human body. We also provide information on Sudan’s history of forced closures and share ways to counter these disruptions.
5 stories from people stranded in Sudan
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History of Sudan’s Internet Shutdown
Internet shutdowns can have dire consequences and cause irreparable damage to lives and organizations. No one should tolerate governments cutting off access to the internet, especially in times of conflict. But Sudanese authorities and parties to the conflict have shut down the internet for years. civil unrest and period political instability, as a way to control the flow of information and suppress dissent.In fact, Access Now and #KeepItOn Coalition At least 19 closures have been recorded since 2018, making Sudan the second-highest number of closures in Africa over the same period. Past government shutdowns have covered up horrific violence against Sudanese people. deadly crackdown on protesters, brutality, Deaths (number)and rape.
How to push back
Let us stand with the people of Sudan: Join the Access Now and #KeepItOn coalitions to denounce the weaponization of internet shutdowns during ongoing conflicts and speak out against the targeting of critical telecommunications infrastructure and personnel. Please share the message below on your social media accounts and circulate this post widely within your network.
share your story: Have you ever experienced an internet power outage in Sudan? Visit now and #KeepItOn Coalition We will continue to collect and amplify the stories of closure victims to highlight the devastating effects of closure and hold perpetrators accountable. Since the Coalition was launched, we have published and expanded the following articles: ethiopia, India, bangladesh, Take out, cameroon, tanzania, uganda, Iran, tajikistan, Kazakhstanother countries.
Join the #KeepItOn coalition: The #KeepItOn Coalition is a global network of more than 300 organizations fighting internet shutdowns since 2016. Membership of the Coalition is open to all civil society and independent organizations working on diverse human rights issues around the world.
