How the War in Sudan Proves Internet Access is as Crucial as Food or Medicine

As Sudan endures the horrors of war, an often-overlooked aspect of survival has emerged: the internet. While food, water, and medicine remain vital for basic survival, the ability to communicate and access the internet has become equally essential. Sudan's conflict highlights how critical the internet is not only for survival, but also for grassroots movements, political resistance, and humanitarian aid coordination. Without stable communication infrastructure, the nation's already precarious situation could spiral even further into chaos. Sudan's Humanitarian Crisis: A Lifeline Under Threat Sudan is grappling with a massive food security crisis, a disaster that continues to intensify as international aid becomes increasingly difficult to deliver. In the absence of substantial external support, grassroots efforts—like mutual aid groups and emergency kitchens—have stepped up to provide the necessities. However, these local networks rely heavily on stable internet access, a fragile lifeline that has been severed in many regions of the country due to the ongoing conflict. In areas where the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have taken control, access to the internet has been severely restricted, often only available through smuggled Starlink devices. These networks are heavily monitored and prohibitively expensive, making communication increasingly dangerous and rare. Despite the obstruction of aid and the manipulation of communication infrastructure by the RSF, international actors have remained largely silent. This lack of accountability is alarming, as it further undermines the survival efforts of local communities. The stakes are extraordinarily high. Without reliable communication, grassroots efforts cannot continue coordinating the distribution of vital resources such as food, medicine, and shelter. For millions of Sudanese who depend on these efforts, the absence of stable internet access could mean the difference between life and death. The Role of Internet in Civic and Political Engagement The importance of the internet in Sudan transcends the humanitarian sphere—it is a critical tool for the country’s political and civic engagement. Before the conflict erupted in April 2023, the internet was a powerful instrument for grassroots movements and civic activists. It was a space where resistance was organized, dictatorships were toppled, and Sudan’s political future was actively shaped. In 2019, Sudan’s digital networks became the battleground for a popular uprising that ended a 30-year dictatorship. Social media platforms allowed protesters to coordinate, share information, and amplify their voices to the world. These networks continued to play a crucial role in sustaining resistance against the 2021 military coup and supporting emergency responses. However, the war has shattered this infrastructure. Many activists, politicians, and civil society leaders have been forced to flee conflict zones, effectively silencing their voices. For those who remain, communication blackouts have severely limited their ability to organize and resist. Political gatherings that once thrived within Sudan’s borders are now occurring outside the country, leaving the civic space inside Sudan diminished and fragmented. The internet's importance in maintaining Sudan’s political landscape cannot be overstated. It was not just a tool for organization, but a vital infrastructure for freedom of expression and civic participation. Without it, Sudan's political future is at risk of being dominated by the warlords currently controlling large swathes of the country. Communication as a Critical Human Right The internet’s role in Sudan’s crisis highlights a critical point: communication is not a luxury; it is a fundamental human right. Just as food, water, and medicine are necessary for physical survival, access to information and the ability to communicate are essential for societal survival. The international community’s failure to prioritize communication infrastructure in Sudan reflects a broader neglect of this right. Numerous international actors have placed conditions on humanitarian aid without ensuring the restoration of communication infrastructure. This oversight is glaring, as the internet is the backbone of many of Sudan’s life-saving efforts. Local networks depend on it to coordinate food distribution, provide medical aid, and raise funds from the Sudanese diaspora. Yet, despite its critical role, there has been little international pressure on the RSF or other factions to maintain or restore internet access in the areas they control. Moreover, international actors have been slow to act. While the U.S. special envoy to Sudan has emphasized the need to include Sudanese voices in negotiations, the processes remain opaque, and the demands on warring factions have not adequately addressed the critical need for internet access. In the meantime, Sudanese civilians are left to wait, hoping that international elections or peace talks will bring change. But the restoration of internet access cannot wait until a ceasefire or a political resolution is reached. The Political Stakes of Internet Access The restoration of the internet is not just a humanitarian necessity—it is also crucial for Sudan’s political future. The conflict has radically transformed the country's political landscape, eroding civilian agency and militarizing the negotiation process. The very networks that once empowered Sudanese citizens to rise up against oppression are now being exploited or destroyed by the factions fighting for control. As the RSF consolidates its grip on communications in the territories it controls, political resistance has become increasingly difficult. The resistance committees, which were once the backbone of civilian resistance, have been decimated by displacement and communication blackouts. The very tools that allowed them to challenge authoritarian rule have been taken from them, leaving a vacuum where political organization once thrived. In addition to eroding political agency within Sudan, the communication crisis has forced much of the political dialogue outside of the country. Many political gatherings are now held in exile, with Sudanese activists and leaders unable to return to their homeland due to the deteriorating security situation. This displacement has further fragmented Sudan’s political landscape, making it harder for civilian actors to coordinate and resist the militarization of their country. A Path Forward: Restoring Internet Access as a Global Priority Sudan’s future depends on the restoration of internet access. This is not just a technological issue—it is a matter of survival, human rights, and political freedom. Without the internet, Sudan’s grassroots movements cannot continue to function. Political resistance cannot be organized, and humanitarian efforts will collapse under the weight of an already dire situation. The international community must take immediate action to restore communication infrastructure in Sudan. The RSF’s control over smuggled Starlink devices is a blatant obstruction of humanitarian aid and civic engagement, and it must be addressed. A clear and enforceable demand should be placed on the RSF and other factions to restore internet access in the territories they control. Moreover, international actors need to prioritize communication infrastructure in their peace negotiations. The restoration of the internet should not be an afterthought; it should be at the forefront of any efforts to resolve the conflict. Sudanese voices must be heard, both within and outside the country, and the internet is the only tool that can amplify those voices in real-time. In conclusion, Sudan’s war has revealed the internet’s indispensable role in modern conflict. As much as food and medicine, the ability to communicate is essential for survival. Restoring internet access in Sudan is not just a matter of convenience—it is a lifeline for millions. It is time for the international community to recognize this and act accordingly.