In the midst of Sudan’s ongoing conflict, residents of Tamboul have found a lifeline in Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet system, despite its unofficial status in the country. Since war broke out last April between Sudan’s army and paramilitary forces, internet blackouts have been a common occurrence, leaving many disconnected from vital communication and financial services.
Although Starlink isn’t officially available in Sudan, makeshift kits have made their way into the country through neighboring nations, allowing some Sudanese to access the internet through satellite connections. However, the high cost of the equipment and subscriptions puts it out of reach for many, with fees running into hundreds of dollars.
Entrepreneurs like Mohamed Bellah have seized the opportunity, setting up Starlink connections to provide internet access for their communities. For individuals like Issam Ahmed in Tamboul, Starlink is crucial for receiving family news and financial support from abroad, as traditional banking systems have collapsed amid the conflict.
While Starlink has been deployed in war-torn regions like Ukraine and during protests in Iran, Elon Musk has made no such gesture towards Sudan. Despite the Sudanese government’s ban on Starlink devices, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have capitalized on the demand, charging fees for access to their own satellite dishes in villages like Qanab Al-Halawein.
The situation highlights the complex dynamics of conflict and connectivity in Sudan, with both military and civilian actors leveraging internet access for financial gain. While the army has partly backtracked on its ban, distributing Starlink dishes in certain areas, vast regions like Darfur continue to suffer from prolonged internet blackouts, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
For individuals like Arij Ahmed, accessing Starlink means making sacrifices, including paying commissions to currency dealers. Despite the challenges, Starlink remains a vital link to the outside world for many Sudanese amidst the turmoil of war and instability.
