Humanitarian Groups Warn Elon Musk Against Shutting Down Starlink Internet in Sudan.

By Caroline Ameh

In response to Elon Musk’s announcement of discontinuing Starlink satellite internet services in Sudan due to licensing issues, nearly 100 humanitarian organizations have voiced concerns over the potential repercussions on millions of Sudanese citizens on Thursday .

The move comes amidst a telecommunications blackout in the war-torn country, with aid groups heavily relying on Starlink to deliver crucial services during the ongoing humanitarian crisis, described by the UN as one of the largest in decades.

Sudan has been grappling with a widespread telecommunications blackout for several months, with many aid groups using Starlink to operate during the humanitarian crisis which the UN has warned is the largest in decades.

The imminent termination of the system risks destabilizing the coordination of emergency assistance and humanitarian services to millions of civilians caught up in the year-long civil conflict.

The coalition, consisting of prominent organizations such as Islamic Relief Worldwide and Sudan Human Rights Network, issued a statement condemning any shutdown of telecommunication services as a violation of human rights, potentially resulting in collective punishment for millions of Sudanese individuals. They emphasize that such a move would not only isolate individuals from their support networks but also exacerbate the dire economic situation facing millions in the country.

Since fighting between the RSF and Sudan’s military began in April 2023, more than 8 million people have fled their homes. Half of Sudan’s population – 25 million people – require humanitarian assistance.

The focus of alarm centers on El Fasher, the last city held by Sudan’s military in the western region of Darfur.

In areas where formal telecommunication is not working – the Darfur region, parts of Khartoum and the Kordofan states – civilians and humanitarian groups including emergency responders connect through informal Starlink internet cafes.

The same areas are also the most exposed to conflict and risk of famine, making the ramifications of the blackout even more profound.

Musk’s move will compound a widespread telecommunications blackout in Sudan with the two warring factions, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese military, targeting relevant infrastructure.

The coalition urges the repair of damaged infrastructure across the country to ensure continued access to vital communication and support networks for those affected by the conflict.