The telecommunications and internet blackout in Sudan continues to disrupt daily life, especially in the regions of Khartoum, El Gezira, and the Blue Nile, aggravating a severe cash crisis across the country. The situation has persisted for nearly three weeks, with Zain and MTN networks still down.
Sudani recently resumed services in certain areas, but the quality remains inconsistent, indicating broader challenges. These outages have led to a cash delivery commission reaching 30% in some Khartoum neighborhoods and soaring commodity prices nationwide.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are reportedly behind the blackout, allegedly forcing telecom providers to shut down services to demand network restoration in Darfur. However, conflicting claims between the RSF and the Sudanese Telecommunications and Postal Regulatory Authority raise concerns about the politicization of communication infrastructure.
The RSF’s control over main data centers and accusations of sabotage by resistance committees further contribute to the complexity of the situation. The managing director of Zain Sudan, Security Lt Gen El Fateh Orwa, emphasized the RSF’s role in the blackout and urged cooperation to restore services.
The blackout’s impact extends beyond domestic affairs, as rumors of Iranian drone arrivals and alleged coup attempts within the Sudanese Armed Forces have surfaced. The blackout’s potential connection to these political events raises questions about its broader implications.
Engineer Hossam Osman highlighted the RSF’s independent network and the deteriorating security conditions in Darfur, shedding light on the intricate dynamics at play. Despite the lack of a clear resolution, the engineer emphasized the need to prevent communication networks from becoming tools of war.
As the Sudanese people grapple with the blackout’s repercussions, the country’s political and security landscape remains intertwined with its technological infrastructure. The urgent need for a sustainable solution is underscored by the far-reaching consequences of the ongoing crisis.
