Network blackout cuts communications for millions in Sudan

Network blackout cuts communications for millions in Sudan

All three of the war-torn country's main internet operators were offline today.

The network blackouts have left millions of people stuck in conflict zones without communication. (AP pic)
CAIRO:
All three of Sudan’s main internet operators were offline today, internet observatory Netblocks said on X, cutting communications for millions of people stuck in conflict zones or fleeing for their safety.

The network blackouts could also freeze e-wallets that many people depend upon amid a widespread cash shortage.

Aid agencies have warned of rising hunger in Sudan and famine-like conditions in some areas, as a result of fighting between the Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since April.

Two of the networks had been offline since Friday, when telecom sources and the army-aligned state news agency said the RSF had shut down the networks belonging to MTN Sudan and Sudani.

Zain Sudan is now also offline, Netblocks said.

An RSF source has denied responsibility and the companies have not publicly blamed anyone for the outages.

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