Sudanese left in the dark by RSF: Imposed telecoms blackout

CAIRO/DUBAI: A communications network blackout in Sudan, blamed on the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, has hobbled aid delivery and left the war-weary population of almost 50 million unable to make payments or contact the outside world.

The RSF has been fighting Sudan’s army for control of the country since April in a war that has killed thousands, displaced almost 8 million, and sparked warnings of famine.

Four industry sources told Reuters that the RSF began shutting down the networks on Feb. 5, completing the blackout two days later.