Sudan finds itself once again in the grips of an internet blackout, exacerbating the challenges faced by its war-torn populace. Blame for the blackout falls on the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), although the paramilitary group has vehemently denied any involvement.

NetBlocks, a watchdog organization monitoring internet freedom, reported a significant disruption in Sudan's internet connectivity, marking a distressing turn in the country's 10-month civil war. The blackout coincided with heightened tensions surrounding the RSF's leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, and Uganda's reception of him, prompting a Sudanese hacktivist group to target Uganda.

While some speculate that state-aligned media have pointed fingers at the RSF for the blackout, an RSF official refuted these claims, accusing the army of orchestrating communication severance in key regions, including Darfur, Kordofan, Khartoum, and Gezira states.

NetBlocks revealed that major mobile operator Zain was severely affected, with services rendered "largely offline." Zain attributed the outage to circumstances beyond its control, acknowledging the perilous environment in which it operates.

The blackout compounds the existing hardships faced by Sudan, where millions have been displaced, and half the population requires urgent humanitarian assistance. The United Nations has sounded the alarm, appealing for $4.1 billion to address the dire needs of Sudan's population.

Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, underscored the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the profound impact of ten months of conflict on Sudanese lives and livelihoods. As the crisis deepens, swift action is imperative to alleviate the suffering of those caught in the crossfire of Sudan's civil strife.