Sudan's Internet Shutdowns Raise Concerns About Free Speech
Sudan's authorities have repeatedly blocked internet access, particularly social media platforms, during critical periods. This practice, though controversial, is outlined in the country's regulations. Sudan, however, has signed international covenants guaranteeing freedom of expression and assembly. The Sudanese government has a history of internet speed test shutdowns. In 2019, during protests, access to social media platforms was blocked. This was not an isolated incident; similar actions occurred during the 2010 elections, when YouTube was blocked. The Telecommunications and Post Regulatory Authority (TPRA) oversees these shutdowns. A 2020 regulation obliges internet service providers (ISPs) and operators to comply with TPRA's blocking requests, without a judicial order. Citizens are often caught off guard, with no warning before these shutdowns. Most involve turning off mobile data. Despite Sudan signing and ratifying the International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), as well as the African Charter on Human and People's Rights (ACHPR), which guarantee freedom of expression and assembly, these shutdowns persist. The government has officially announced its intention to shut down the internet only twice, both times during secondary school exams. Since 2018, Sudan has experienced multiple internet speed test shutdowns, primarily affecting mobile data. While the government has regulations to protect web content accessibility, including a 2020 regulation on content filtering and website blockage, these shutdowns raise concerns about freedom of expression and assembly, despite Sudan's commitments to international human rights covenants.
