Nairobi, November 18 (Darfur24)
Authorities in West Darfur State have suspended the services of Zain, one of Sudan’s largest mobile phone operators, ordering the company to halt all operations in the city of El Geneina effective Monday.
Sources told Darfur24 that state authorities contacted Zain’s management in El Geneina and instructed them to immediately cease all services, resulting in a complete communications blackout across the city.
Zain had only resumed limited services in June 2024, restricted to voice calls without internet or other digital services, after more than a year of disruptions caused by the conflict.
So far, officials have not provided any explanation for the sudden suspension or indicated when services might resume, leaving subscribers in El Geneina without communication amid growing uncertainty.
The ongoing conflict has severely damaged telecommunications infrastructure across Darfur, forcing many residents to rely on satellite internet provided by commercial centers and informal community hubs.