Khartoum Mobile Network, Internet Cut Amid Conflict

Smoke rises over Khartoum, as fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces continues.

WAD MADANI — Sudan’s war-torn capital, Khartoum, Friday experienced a communications blackout as conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces intensified.

Residents of Khartoum Friday said vital internet and mobile phone connections were out of service as “violent clashes” raged in several parts of the capital city.

The source of the malfunction was not immediately clear, however some network providers restored services by 11:00am (0900GMT), the residents added.

Through the morning, columns of black smoke were detected near the headquarters of the Sudanese Armed Forces, SAF, as well as in Khartoum’s south.

Witnesses in Khartoum’s north reported “clashes using all kinds of weapons,” while in Omdurman, just across the Nile river, witnesses said fighter jets and drones were flying overhead.

Sudan’s conflict has been ongoing since April 15, pushing more than 1.5 million residents out of Khartoum as they fled air strikes, tanks and fighting on the streets.

Residents of Khartoum report relying on the internet to source basic needs and information, while others remain trapped in their homes fearing getting caught in the crossfire.

The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, an international data collection agency, reports that Sudan’s conflict has killed at least 3,000 people, with the worst fighting taking place in Khartoum and the western region of Darfur.

The International Criminal Court Thursday said it started investigations into alleged war crimes, after increased reports of atrocities, particularly in Darfur, including of sexual violence and civilians being targeted for their ethnicity.