Port Sudan, July 20(Darfur 24)
The Telecommunications and Postal Regulatory Authority announced on Sunday that it has restricted voice and video calling services via WhatsApp Application in Sudan.
In a statement obtained by Darfur 24, the authority indicated that the decision will take effect next Friday and will remain valid until further notice.
It explained that blocking is a “precautionary measure against security threats, to preserve national security and the country’s supreme interests.”
It stated that the rest of the app’s services, including text messages and group sharing, will remain available without restrictions.
It continued: “We apologize for any inconvenience this restriction may cause to subscribers, and we appreciate their understanding in putting the national interest above personal interests.”
A large segment of Sudanese, particularly in Darfur and Kordofan, rely on WhatsApp services to communicate with their families and acquaintances, after the conflict destroyed the telecommunications infrastructure in those areas.