Sudanese Seek Starlink Solutions to Bridge Communication Gaps During Blackouts
In Omdurman, Sudan, residents facing a mobile network blackout due to conflicts between rival military factions are resorting to Starlink satellite connections to access the internet. The blackout, initiated in early February, has left people unable to purchase essential goods, including scarce food supplies, and has disrupted communication with displaced relatives. It has also posed challenges to aid deliveries.
Karari district in Omdurman, where Sudan’s army has recently made advances against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and provided some satellite access to residents, has become a focal point for those seeking connectivity. Despite promises of restored mobile network coverage, the reality has fallen short, leaving residents frustrated and isolated.
Amal Abdu, a resident of the Karari district, highlighted the dire need for connectivity, stating that delays in communication often result in learning about the death of family members weeks after the fact. The ongoing conflict has not only disrupted communication but also caused extensive damage to the banking system. Many residents rely on the Bank of Khartoum’s Bankak mobile app for financial transactions, but the network blackout has hindered their ability to access this service.
“People don’t have cash; there’s no cash in the country. We want to use Bankak, and we can’t log in,” lamented Abdu. Telecoms industry sources revealed earlier that the RSF had shut down networks after threatening to do so unless the army restored disabled connections in the western region of Darfur.
While the state-owned Sudani has managed to restore coverage in certain parts of Sudan, including Omdurman, significant areas, including the capital and most of Darfur, remain cut off. Another provider, Zain, has only been able to bring back limited provision in the past week. The reliance on alternative connectivity options like Starlink demonstrates the resilience of communities facing communication challenges amidst conflict and the potential for technology to bridge critical gaps during such crises.
