Sudan has been caught in a devastating conflict since April 15, 2023, when fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Throughout the war, Sudan’s warring parties have weaponized the internet by implementing shutdowns to control the flow of information while social media turned into a battleground of propaganda, complicating efforts to report on what has been described as one of the “worst humanitarian disasters in recent memory.” Amidst this chaos, satellite internet’s potential to provide reliable connectivity in conflict zones offers a glimmer of hope for civilians desperate to stay connected and informed. It also plays a critical role in ensuring accountability, enabling advocates to expose violations and abuses.
The long-use of internet shutdowns
Internet shutdowns have been weaponized in Sudan for years. For instance, military actors imposed a weeks-long internet blackout during the June 2019 Khartoum massacre, which saw 100 civilians killed by the brutal military crackdown on protestors after the ousting of former president Omar al-Bashir. Similarly, at least four disruptions were imposed by the authorities during the June 30 protests in 2022, when civilians demanded a return to civilian rule. The current war has been no exception, as both the RSF and SAF have continued to use shutdowns as a tool of control, further isolating and exacerbating the suffering of civilians and the ongoing humanitarian crisis. These shutdowns have been strategically used to create informational blackouts, disrupt communication, and control media narratives to advance the agendas of the warring parties.
Both the RSF and SAF have continued to use shutdowns as a tool of control, further isolating and exacerbating the suffering of civilians and the ongoing humanitarian crisis
Just hours after the conflict broke out between the SAF and RSF, MTN Sudan cut off internet services at the request of the “government telecommunications regulator,” resulting in a 60 percent drop in traffic across the country. On April 23, as the fighting intensified, major Internet Service Providers (ISPs) were also affected: Sudatel went offline, and Zain Sudan experienced hours of downtime before restoring limited services. The SAF claimed that the RSF had occupied the Sudatel data center in Khartoum, causing a full network shutdown.
Earlier this year, in February, Sudan experienced a major month-long countrywide internet blackout, triggered by the RSF’s seizure of ISPs data centers in Khartoum. Major ISPs, such as MTN, Zain Sudan, and Sudani, either went completely offline or faced service interruptions. Connectivity began to recover slowly in early March, largely due to two of the main three ISPs, Zain Sudan and Sudani, setting up new data centers in Port Sudan City—as RSF captured most of Khartoum, but the internet remained unstable as the conflict persisted. While this helped alleviate the impact of the shutdown, there have been reports that RSF refused to allow services to be restored in areas they control, including Khartoum and Al-Gezira.
The various tactics used to shut down the internet have often been used to hide atrocities and human rights violations and have left Sudan highly vulnerable to digital isolation, with civilians plunged into darkness at the whim of those in power. Restoring and maintaining connectivity during conflict is particularly difficult due to extensive infrastructure damage, unsafe conditions for repairs, and looting. These challenges deepen the humanitarian crisis by prolonging digital blackouts and cutting off vital communication channels for those most in need.
Disastrous consequence of shutdowns
Internet shutdowns have worsened the impact of the conflict on the ground. Families, friends, and relatives find themselves isolated from the outside world, unable to connect or check on their loved ones’ safety or receive news, intensifying an already pervasive sense of fear and uncertainty. Without internet access, civilians miss crucial updates on threats and safe routes, making it harder to navigate and avoid danger zones. In many cases, the lack of information becomes a matter of life and death.
The economic fallout from internet shutdowns has been severe. Recent shutdowns have disrupted financial transactions, which are critical in a conflict where cash is already scarce. Although not all businesses and transfers operate online, many people in Sudan rely on apps such as Bankak to send money to loved ones or conduct essential online transactions. When these apps go offline, millions are left “stranded and starving,” struggling to meet their basic needs. Since the war began, Bankak saw an 85 percent surge in app activations due to the scarcity of cash. However, frequent disruptions and limited connectivity have made these vital activities nearly impossible, which has also resulted in a more severe cash shortage.
With limited or nonexistent connectivity, coordinating relief efforts has become incredibly difficult
For aid groups on the ground and humanitarian organizations, internet shutdowns have created significant challenges. With limited or nonexistent connectivity, coordinating relief efforts has become incredibly difficult, slowing down the distribution of aid and the organization of resources. Critical information cannot be shared effectively during these blackouts, leaving aid groups struggling to keep their teams and the communities they serve informed.
Satellite internet connectivity
With internet disruptions and the collapse of conventional communication infrastructure in Sudan, satellite services like Starlink have emerged as a vital alternative to maintain connectivity. Unlike ground-based systems, satellite networks can remain operational even in areas with widespread physical damage or interference, offering a lifeline in conflict zones, though they may still face disruptions from electronic warfare or countermeasures, particularly in conflict zones where unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely controlled weaponry are in use. This technology represents a broader shift in how connectivity can circumvent traditional blockades, providing critical access, though also introducing new challenges.
Satellite internet connectivity has seen significant growth in recent years making it more accessible and reliable. These developments have enabled internet access in remote or conflict-ridden areas where traditional infrastructure is either non-existent or heavily damaged by war. Companies like Starlink, spearheaded by its parent company SpaceX, is leading the charge in delivering high-speed satellite internet that bypasses ground-based disruptions, while other companies like OneWeb, Amazon’s Project Kuiper, and Telesat Lightspeed are ramping up efforts to catch up. Starlink became a crucial satellite service in Sudan after the conflict began, providing vital connectivity where traditional infrastructure had collapsed. However, civil society has emphasized the need to diversify internet access beyond Starlink, calling for exploring additional solutions such as WiMAX technology, e-SIMs near borders, and other satellite providers. While Starlink has been invaluable, relying on it alone is not a viable long-term solution.
Despite Starlink’s utility, significant challenges persist in Sudan’s ongoing crisis, underscoring the need for a broader range of connectivity solutions
In Sudan, Starlink has helped aid groups and some civilians stay connected, share information, and coordinate relief efforts. However, it has also been exploited by warring parties, notably the RSF, to advance their fighting and tactics. Reports indicate that the RSF uses Starlink terminals to facilitate real-time communication, guide drones, and coordinate military operations, significantly enhancing their strategic capabilities on the battlefield. Despite Starlink’s utility, significant challenges persist in Sudan’s ongoing crisis, underscoring the need for a broader range of connectivity solutions.
A lifeline for some, a challenge for others
The high costs associated with satellite internet often make it inaccessible to many organizations and individuals. In Sudan, just like in many other conflict areas, Starlink operates in a gray legal area. Its use is technically illegal due to the lack of official authorization, which may extend to the import and possession of the terminals, and potentially being classified as an unlicensed telecom provider. Despite this, equipment has been smuggled into the country through various routes.
Authorities in Sudan have previously confiscated Starlink equipment and arrested users. Reports also indicate that the RSF and the SAF have turned Starlink into a profitable business by renting out the service, effectively controlling its use. While some organizations find satellite internet incompatible with their existing infrastructure and operational procedures, many groups in Sudan—including most United Nations agencies and humanitarian organizations—have successfully integrated these services into their operations.
Amid one of the worst humanitarian crises, with Sudan facing imminent threats of famine and genocide, individual Starlink users face severe protection risks beyond financial barriers. The recent internet shutdowns and unstable connections have forced many civilians to rely on smuggled or RSF-controlled Starlink terminals, often at exorbitant fees. The real danger is that using these satellite systems makes civilians easily trackable, exposing them to further risks. Whether renting time on RSF-owned terminals or using smuggled equipment, civilians risk being targeted by armed forces who may not differentiate between military and civilian users. Compounding these risks, Starlink’s policy of urging direct purchases, coupled with its limited investment in the countries it serves, has led many African governments to resist its presence, fearing it undermines their control over telecommunications infrastructure.
In addition to all of these issues, Starlink’s service is known for its instability and frequent changes. As global subscriptions increase, there is an urgent need for improvements, particularly in conflict zones, though its limited presence in these areas might suggest a lower priority for the company. While Starlink has been a vital tool in conflict zones, its long-term sustainability in Sudan remains uncertain. Reports in April of this year suggested that Starlink might limit its services in regions where it lacks licensing, raising fears of a potential service cutoff. In response, nearly 100 humanitarian organizations warned Elon Musk, the company’s CEO, that discontinuing Starlink’s crucial satellite internet could “collectively punish” millions of Sudanese. In September, civil society groups renewed their calls for restoring telecommunication services and ending the collective punishment of affected communities.
Where do we go from here?
To ensure widespread and uninterrupted internet access in Sudan and in other constrained environments, several challenges must be addressed. While Starlink has been crucial in providing connectivity to agencies and communities, its services remain inaccessible to many. Since Starlink is not officially authorized in Sudan, the company faces a complex challenge in balancing support for human rights with the risk of its technology being exploited for criminal activities.
Without a comprehensive and resilient telecommunication strategy, millions of Sudanese will remain vulnerable to further isolation, economic collapse, and worsening humanitarian disaster
Humanitarian organizations have used satellite services to deliver aid to vulnerable communities in areas with no alternatives, but most efforts have been focused on restoring communication for humanitarian actors only. More efforts are needed to ensure continuous, uninterrupted access to telecommunication services to everyone affected, including local actors and communities. International bodies, agencies, and organizations—such as the UN’s Emergency Telecommunications Cluster—must become advocates for a broader concept of humanitarian connectivity. They should also expand their emergency telecommunication support priorities across Sudan to ensure consistent support and access to humanitarian services for all affected communities and aid actors in the country. These efforts should include plans to provide communication services to civilians until more sustainable options become available. Development donors and financial institutions also need to foster long-term growth by promoting decentralized and more resilient infrastructure and lowering entry barriers for smaller businesses in the telecommunications market.
Internet shutdowns continue to isolate millions in Sudan, exacerbating fear and uncertainty in an already dire conflict. The suffering of civilians underscores the critical need for reliable and sustainable connectivity to bridge the gap left by traditional communication failures. Satellite services, despite their limitations, offer a glimpse of what is possible in restoring communication in conflict zones. However, a lasting solution requires both restoring stable ground-based internet infrastructure and enhancing alternative capabilities to ensure that—regardless of the tactics used by warring parties—civilians are not left in the dark. Without a comprehensive and resilient telecommunication strategy, millions of Sudanese will remain vulnerable to further isolation, economic collapse, and worsening humanitarian disaster.
Kassem Mnejja is a Nonresident Fellow at TIMEP focusing on digital rights and cyberspace across the MENA region with a particular interest in internet shutdowns.