ALBAWABA - Starlink, the Internet constellation owned by billionaire and tech whale Elon Musk, announced ceasing services in Sudan, causing more than 100 NGOs in the war-wrecked country to raise the alarm, noting that such a move will be a form of "collective punishment" for the people of Sudan.
Sudan has been battling a widespread telecommunications blackout for several months, with many aid agencies relying on Starlink to operate during the humanitarian crisis, which the UN has warned is the greatest in decades.
However, Starlink, Musk's SpaceX satellite branch, just announced that it will discontinue services in Sudan by limiting roaming in places where it is not licensed.
A group of 94 rights organizations operating in Sudan issued a statement warning against Starlink's decision to cease operations across the country.
"Any shutdown of telecommunication services is a violation of human rights and may be considered to be a collective punishment that will not only isolate individuals from their support networks but also exacerbate the already dire economic situation facing millions" the statement reads.
The statement added: "The potential shutdown of Starlink would have a disproportionate impact on civilians and the aid organizations who are trying to reach them".
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 – are in dire need of humanitarian aid.
