Sudan's 10-month civil war has taken a new turn as the country experiences a widespread internet blackout. All three of Sudan's main internet operators, including Zain, are offline, cutting off communications for millions of people stuck in conflict zones or fleeing for their safety. The blackout has also affected e-wallets, which many people depend on due to a widespread cash shortage. The network blackouts began on Friday when the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) shut down the networks belonging to MTN Sudan and Sudani. Zain Sudan is now also offline. Aid agencies have warned of rising hunger and famine-like conditions in some areas as a result of the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF. The RSF denies responsibility for the blackout, and the companies have not publicly blamed anyone for the outages [46b37d04] [958f2c63].
The internet blackout has had a significant impact on the country, making it difficult for people to communicate and access information. This has hindered humanitarian efforts, as the blackout adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing crisis. The United Nations has appealed for $4.1 billion to address the urgent needs of those affected by the conflict. At least nine million people have been displaced, and half of Sudan's population, or 25 million people, require assistance. The blackout further exacerbates the challenges in addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of the population [958f2c63].
The internet blackout in Sudan highlights the global digital divide, with around 2.6 billion people worldwide still waiting for internet access. The head of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) emphasizes that universal connectivity and sustainable digital transformation are essential goals. Women are disproportionately affected, with only 30% of women in Least Developed Countries having access to the internet. The private sector and multilateral institutions have committed $46 billion towards accessible network connectivity, with a goal of $100 billion in overall investments by 2026. Bridging the digital divide requires proper investments and decisions made at ITU's venues [c1281bea].
Despite positive trends in internet use observed in small island developing states and territories, the lack of internet access in Sudan and other parts of the world hinders progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Secretary-General of the United Nations highlights the potential benefits and risks of generative artificial intelligence (AI), including its potential to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and advance progress across the UN Sustainable Development Goals. However, the threats of cyberattacks and erosion of trust caused by disinformation are also significant challenges. Addressing the global digital divide is crucial for achieving the UN's sustainable development agenda [c1281bea].
India, the third-highest country in the world to enforce internet shutdowns, has experienced a significant number of disruptions. In 2023, India enforced the longest duration of an internet shutdown in Manipur, lasting over 5,000 hours. This contributed to a total of 7,956 hours of disrupted internet services nationwide, impacting approximately 59.1 million users and causing a loss of about $585 million. Additionally, India experienced an internet blackout of 7,812 hours, with social media platforms remaining inaccessible for 144 hours. Since 2019, over 609 major internet shutdowns have been recorded across 56 countries, resulting in a total loss of about $52.96 billion from the world economy [028a3f09].
Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also recently experienced internet outages. The cause of the outages is currently unknown, and the governments of the affected countries have not provided any official statement regarding the outages. The outages have affected both mobile data and fixed-line internet services, causing disruptions in various sectors including banking, e-commerce, and communication. The outages have lasted for several hours, impacting the ability of individuals and businesses to access information and carry out online activities. The internet outages in these countries further highlight the vulnerability of internet connectivity and the need for reliable and accessible networks [36983784].