The Republic of Sudan
Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Office of the Spokesperson and Media Directorate
Press Statement
In the face of the defeats and the tightening of military pressure on it, the terrorist militia has resorted in the past few days to cut off telecommunications and internet services in large parts of the country, through means of terrorism, sabotage, and extorting companies working in this field of vital importance. It goes without saying that this crime has disastrous effects on the socio-economic and humanitarian conditions in various parts of the Sudan. The continued suffering of civilians, resulted from the terrorist militia's aggression will be further exacerbated. This is because cutting off telecommunication and internet services means stopping bank transfers and various digital financial services, which have become a lifeline for a large segment of citizens, in light of the cessation of many economic activities and means of making a living. It also impedes the flow of humanitarian services, including treatment, aid, and rescue efforts for the stranded persons. Moreover, communication between family members separated by war whether they are inside or outside the country will be impossible.
This criminal behavior of the militia provides new evidence that it is implementing a sinister design, under the supervision of its external sponsors, to destroy the infrastructure and State institutions of the Sudan, using foreign mercenaries towards that end.
The militia had previously seized control of the main premises of telecommunications companies, looted and destroyed large number of its branches and equipment, especially in the states of Darfur. This had long-term severe damage to the networks in Darfur. The employees of these companies continued to be exposed to various forms of terrorism and extortion from the militia.
This new crime represents an extension to the militia’s systematic targeting of strategic economic and service facilities such as the Khartoum oil refinery, electricity and water stations, banks, commercial centers, universities, museums and other public facilities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the international community, international, regional and humanitarian organizations, and the governments of countries concerned with achieving peace in Sudan, to vigorously condemn this barbaric crime, and to put pressure on the terrorist militia and its sponsors to stop this aggression, which will have a heavy humanitarian cost.