The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group, which is battling the Sudanese army, had been using Starlink technology since August 2023. The satellite internet service entered the country through Chad and South Sudan when the internet went down over a week ago. The RSF controls the corridors through which the equipment is imported, Bloomberg reported.
Numerous videos and images posted on social media in recent days reportedly showed RSF soldiers using Starlink technology. However, there has been no independent verification of the images.
The conflicting parties blame each other for the internet blackout. The RSF had to cut off the internet throughout the country after losing communication with western Darfur, the Sudanese Engineers Association was cited as saying.
In April 2023, violent clashes broke out between the Sudanese army and the RSF. The parties to the conflict have since introduced a number of temporary nationwide ceasefires, but none has helped settle the conflict. In late October, the parties resumed negotiations, mediated by Saudi Arabia in Jeddah, but hostilities in the country are ongoing.