Sudan has implemented a nationwide ban on WhatsApp voice and video calls, citing national security concerns as the primary reason. The move comes amid increasing tensions and ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been locked in a violent power struggle since April 2023. The civil war has devastated the country, displacing millions and collapsing essential infrastructure.
The Sudanese Telecommunications and Post Regulatory Authority announced the restriction, stating that WhatsApp calls were being used in ways that threaten national security. While authorities did not provide specific details, analysts suggest that the platform has become a critical tool for both activists and civilians to share information, coordinate aid, and report on war-related atrocities. The restriction is seen as part of broader efforts by the Sudanese military to control the flow of information and limit communication that could undermine its authority.
This move follows a pattern seen in other conflict zones, where governments restrict access to social media and messaging apps to stifle dissent and prevent the spread of unofficial narratives. WhatsApp, with its end-to-end encryption, has been a favored platform for secure communication, particularly in countries experiencing political instability.
The ban has triggered widespread frustration among Sudanese citizens, many of whom rely on WhatsApp not only for personal communication but also for business and humanitarian coordination. VPN usage reportedly surged in response, as people attempt to bypass the restrictions.
Critics argue that the ban is a violation of digital rights and freedom of expression, potentially isolating Sudan further from the international community. With internet blackouts and communication restrictions becoming more common in Sudan, the WhatsApp ban is another sign of the deepening authoritarian control amid a worsening humanitarian crisis.
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