The ongoing conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has led to significant internet shutdowns, severely impacting the country's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. These shutdowns, often politically motivated, have disrupted daily activities, banking, and emergency communications, exacerbating the challenges faced by conflict-affected communities. Major ISPs like MTN Sudan and Sudatel have experienced complete outages, and the economic ramifications are profound, threatening foreign investment and economic stability. The article calls for regional and international bodies to implement frameworks to safeguard telecommunication infrastructure and personnel during conflicts, recognizing such disruptions as humanitarian offenses.

On April 15, 2023, Khartoum, Sudan's capital, experienced clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), leading to casualties and a power struggle between SAF's Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF's Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. The conflict has disrupted basic services and significantly impacted information and communication technologies (ICT) and digital transformation efforts in Sudan. Frequent power outages necessitate generators for communication infrastructure, with only 40% of the population having access to the national grid. Network disruptions are common, with MTN Sudan experiencing outages and government-ordered internet cuts. Data centers have been damaged, affecting essential internet services, and the banking system has been offline for months. Despite the lack of data localization laws, many Sudanese websites are hosted abroad, and there is no specific data protection law in Sudan. The conflict's extension to Khartoum has uniquely impacted the city's role as a service hub, emphasizing the need to maintain ICT infrastructures and workforce.

The conflict in Sudan has severely disrupted ICT and digital transformation efforts, with many data centers losing access to their data and facilities, resulting in the failure of several essential internet-related services.

The conflict in Sudan, primarily between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has severely impacted the country's ICT and digital transformation efforts. Frequent power outages and network disruptions have hindered communication services, with companies like MTN Sudan facing operational challenges. Data centers, including those of the Ministry of Higher Education and the National Information Center, have been compromised, affecting essential services like e-banking. Despite these challenges, some institutions have launched new online platforms to continue their operations. The conflict underscores the need for robust solutions to maintain ICT infrastructure and services in Sudan.

On April 15, 2023, conflict erupted in Khartoum, Sudan, between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), leading to significant instability and impacting basic services, including ICT and digital transformation efforts. Frequent power outages and network disruptions have severely affected communication services, with companies like MTN Sudan experiencing major setbacks. Data centers, including those of the Ministry of Higher Education and the National Information Center, have been compromised, leading to failures in essential internet-related services. Despite these challenges, some institutions have launched new online platforms to continue operations. The conflict has highlighted the need for robust ICT infrastructure and data protection measures in Sudan.

Sudanese resistance committees, crucial to the ongoing protests against military rule, have faced shadowbanning on Facebook, likely originating from Egypt. These grassroots organizations, which emerged during the dictatorship of Omar Al Bashir, are being targeted through Coordinated Inauthentic Behaviour (CIB) attacks. The attacks involve manipulating Facebook's algorithm to hide posts from the committees. Evidence suggests that Egyptian entities, possibly with government support, are behind these actions. The article calls for Meta to verify the pages of resistance committees to protect them from future attacks.

Gen Burhan led a military coup in Sudan on October 25, 2021, justifying it as necessary to avoid civil war. The international community, including the US, UK, EU, and African Union, condemned the coup, leading to suspended aid and membership. The National Accord Group (NAG) called for the dissolution of Sudan's transitional cabinet, citing marginalization by the ruling party. Sudanese activists criticized government officials involved in the sit-in supporting the coup. Financial motivations behind the coup were suggested, including the firing of a Central Bank official. The coup led to widespread protests, a communication blackout, and violent confrontations, resulting in multiple deaths. The World Bank and General Medical Council responded by freezing aid and canceling exams, respectively. The coup threatens Sudan's efforts to rebuild international relations after decades of sanctions.

The article discusses the consequences of a conflict on data centers and internet-related services. It highlights the challenges faced by data center operators who have lost access to their data and facilities, resulting in the failure of various critical online services. The focus is on the technological and current affairs aspects of the situation, examining the impact of the conflict on the digital infrastructure.

Sudan's revised cybercrime law, intended to address digital rights, is criticized for its potential to limit freedom of expression. The law, originally enacted under the former regime, contains vague terms that can be exploited to suppress activists and journalists. Recent lawsuits against political activists highlight the law's misuse. Calls for reform emphasize the need for laws that align with international standards for freedom of expression. Workshops, supported by the European Union, aim to amend the law, but significant changes are necessary to protect civil liberties in Sudan.

Tensions between Sudan and Ethiopia continue to escalate in the al-Fashqa region, with recent clashes resulting in casualties. Both nations accuse each other of border violations, with Sudanese forces claiming to operate within their borders and Ethiopian officials blaming militias for attacks. Historical agreements and recent refugee influxes have complicated the situation. Sudanese officials emphasize their right to defend their territory, while Ethiopian representatives call for peaceful resolutions. The conflict is further complicated by regional dynamics, including the dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.