Nearly a hundred humanitarian organizations in Sudan have issued a stark warning to Elon Musk, cautioning against the potential repercussions of shutting down the Starlink satellite internet service in the conflict-ridden nation.
The move, they argue, could lead to the “collective punishment” of millions of Sudanese who heavily rely on the service amid the ongoing crisis.
Sudan has been grappling with a severe telecommunications blackout for several months, severely hampering aid operations in what the UN describes as one of the most significant humanitarian crises in decades.
Starlink, operated by Musk’s SpaceX, has been a lifeline for many aid groups in the country.
However, Starlink recently announced its decision to cease operations in Sudan, citing the lack of proper licensing in certain jurisdictions.
This impending shutdown threatens to disrupt the coordination of emergency assistance and humanitarian services to millions of civilians embroiled in the year-long civil conflict.
A coalition comprising 94 rights organizations operating in Sudan condemned any potential shutdown of telecommunication services as a violation of human rights.
They emphasized that such actions could isolate individuals from crucial support networks and worsen the already dire economic situation facing millions.
The coalition, which includes prominent organizations like Islamic Relief Worldwide and Sudan Human Rights Network, called for urgent measures to repair damaged infrastructure across the country.
The telecommunications blackout, compounded by the ongoing conflict between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese military, has significantly impacted communication networks.
Since the conflict erupted in April 2023, over 8 million people have been displaced from their homes, with half of Sudan’s population—25 million people—in need of humanitarian assistance.
The situation is particularly dire in El Fasher, the last city held by Sudan’s military in Darfur, where the UN warns of “countless lives at stake.”
In regions where formal telecommunication services are non-existent, such as Darfur, parts of Khartoum, and Kordofan states, civilians and humanitarian groups heavily rely on informal Starlink internet cafes.
These areas are also the most vulnerable to conflict and famine, heightening the impact of the telecommunications blackout on aid efforts.
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