Sudan civil war brings communications to near collapse
As the civil war increased in intensity in Sudan, communications including mobile phones and Internet connectivity all but collapsed on 23 April. Sudan’s media blamed the disruption to fuel supplies caused by the fighting. In many parts of Africa, mobile operators and ISPs rely on diesel generators to power their masts and data centres as the electricity grid can often be unreliable (for example, one broadcaster in Nigeria spends US$30-50k a month on fuel for its TV transmitters).
In addition to the fuel issue, it was reported that the fibre connection to one of the country’s principal ISPs was cut by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
According to monitoring group NetBlocks, internet connectivity was partially restored, but it is likely that if fighting continues, it will remain challenging to access the web.
The challenges with Internet connectivity have meant that access to news and information from Sudan’s broadcasters, and from those outside the country, has been impaired. This shows, in the AIB’s view, the need for a mixed approach to content distribution, including the retention and use of traditional transmission technology to reach audiences at times of natural or man-made disasters.
Broadcasters that operate Arabic-language programming delivered on short wave that are likely to be receivable in some or all of Sudan include:
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