Ensuring Access to Life-Saving Communications: Urgent Appeal for Sudan

The humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sudan demands urgent action to re-establish telecommunications infrastructure across the country. With over half of Sudan's population in need of humanitarian aid, access to telecommunications is vital for civilians and aid workers alike. Indiscriminate attacks and disruptions by warring parties have severely hindered civilians' ability to cope with the effects of the conflict, while also impeding aid delivery.

Indeed, internet access is indispensable for civilians in conflict-affected regions like Sudan. It serves as a lifeline, enabling them to access vital information, connect with loved ones abroad for financial support, and share critical updates about their safety and well-being. Additionally, local aid groups heavily depend on telecommunication networks to reach vulnerable communities and coordinate lifesaving activities effectively.

In areas where formal telecommunication infrastructure is lacking or disrupted, informal Starlink internet cafes have emerged as crucial hubs for communication. These cafes provide a vital means for civilians and aid organizations to stay connected and access the internet, despite the challenges posed by conflict and telecommunications shutdowns.

By leveraging satellite connectivity technologies like Starlink, these internet cafes bridge the gap in communication and ensure that essential services can continue to reach those in need, even in the absence of traditional telecommunication infrastructure. As such, they play a pivotal role in sustaining communication networks and facilitating humanitarian response efforts in conflict-affected areas.

The nationwide telecommunication shutdown in February 2024 exacerbated an already dire situation, leaving millions without access to essential services and unable to contact loved ones. Despite partial restoration in some regions, large parts of the country remain disconnected, particularly areas most affected by conflict and famine risk, such as Darfur and parts of Khartoum and the Kordofans.

The reliance on satellite connectivity devices like Starlink underscores their critical importance for humanitarian organizations operating in Sudan. Despite the prohibitive costs and import restrictions, these services remain indispensable for ensuring effective communication and coordination of relief efforts in conflict-affected areas. A potential shutdown of Starlink would not only exacerbate the crisis but also disproportionately affect civilians and aid organizations striving to reach them. It is imperative to address these challenges and ensure continued access to essential telecommunications infrastructure to mitigate the humanitarian impact of the crisis in Sudan.

Absolutely, urgent action is imperative to re-establish telecommunications infrastructure across Sudan. The restoration of telecommunication networks is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of civilians caught in the midst of conflict and humanitarian crises. Access to reliable communication channels is vital for civilians to receive critical information, connect with their families, access financial support, and seek assistance during emergencies.

Moreover, functional telecommunication infrastructure is indispensable for humanitarian organizations to effectively coordinate and deliver aid to those in need. Without access to communication networks, humanitarian response efforts are severely hindered, making it challenging to reach vulnerable communities, assess needs, and provide timely assistance.

Therefore, swift efforts must be made to restore telecommunications infrastructure across Sudan, including in conflict-affected regions such as Darfur, Khartoum, and the Kordofans. This restoration is crucial not only for ensuring the immediate safety and well-being of civilians but also for enabling effective humanitarian response efforts to alleviate suffering and mitigate the impact of ongoing crises.