Sudanese residents were left without access to mobile networks for weeks due to the war
SpaceX, operator of the Starlink internet service, notified subscribers in war-torn Sudan that it would cease operations in the country from April 30. Notably, Sudanese residents, cut off from mobile networks for weeks due to war between rival military factions, have been using Starlink satellite connections to access the internet.
The company stated: “According to the terms of use, the service can only be used in countries authorized to operate the service.”
Nearly hundreds of humanitarian organizations are now calling on Starlink boss Elon Musk to restore satellite internet service as failure to do so could “collectively punish” millions of Sudanese.
A coalition of 94 human rights organizations operating in Sudan issued a statement: ”Any closure of telecommunications services is a violation of human rights and could be considered a collective punishment that will not only isolate individuals from their support networks, but it will also worsen the already existing situation. dire economic situation faced by millions of people.”
The statement added: “The potential shutdown of Starlink would have a disproportionate impact on civilians and the aid organizations trying to reach them.”
The statement further noted that nearly 30 million Sudanese were left without internet or telephone access for more than a month due to a nationwide telecommunications outage in February 2024.
This internet connection is the only way for civilians to receive monetary transfers from family members abroad, as most Sudanese have not had a salary since the start of the war.
Sudan has been at war since April 15, 2023, following a violent clash between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). More than a year of relentless war and violence has killed thousands of people and destroyed homes, cities, livelihoods and critical civilian infrastructure. This has led to widespread displacement, making it the largest crisis of its kind in the world, according to the UN.
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