Sudan still without internet despite court order to restore services

Disruption began on October 25 when Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok was deposed in military takeover

Protesters demonstrate against the Sudanese military's seizure of power and removal of the civilian government, in the capital Khartoum. Reuters

Thousands of Sudanese people took to the streets in the capital of Khartoum, above, and other major cities across the country to demand the country's transition to democratic rule be put back on track. EPA

Protesters carry a barricade as they demonstrate against the Sudanese military, in the capital Khartoum. Reuters

A Sudanese protester flashes a victory sign near a burning tyre as thousands of people joined anti-coup protests in Khartoum. EPA

Thousands of Sudanese people participated in anti-military protests in the capital Khartoum. EPA

A Sudanese protester dressed up as Spider-Man, stands on car during an anti-coup protest in the capital Khartoum. EPA

Demonstrators build a barricade on a street in the capital Khartoum during an anti-coup protest. EPA

Sudanese women during anti-coup protests as a part of nationwide demonstrations against the military takeover of the government on October 25, in the capital Khartoum. EPA

Protesters raised slogans demanding the exit of Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, in the capital Khartoum. AP Photo

Protesters declared 'the revolution will continue' during a demonstration in Khartoum. AP

'Going back is impossible' was among slogans raised by Sudanese protesters in the capital Khartoum. AP

A Sudanese court has ordered the three main telecoms providers in the country to restore internet access, but services were still disrupted more than two weeks after they were first cut off.

Internet activity monitor NetBlocks reported on Tuesday that the disruption, which began on October 25 when a military takeover deposed Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, largely continued after the court order.

NetBlocks said mobile service was briefly restored for major operators at 4pm on Tuesday, “allowing some messages and videos to come through".

One Sudanese social media user in the US said she had not spoken to her family since services went down.

“I didn’t speak to my mother and family in 16 days. This in 2021,” business specialist Jia Elhassan said on Twitter on Tuesday.

The US Agency for International Development Mission in Sudan said cuts to internet services were a breach of international law and a “suppression of freedom of speech".

On Tuesday, Sudan's military chief Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan issued a decision to form a group to strip financial support from the Empowerment Removal Committee.

The committee, which has been suspended, was established after former president Omar Al Bashir was ousted. It was set up to dismantle Al Bashir's regime and dissolve his National Congress Party.

Sudanese opposition groups have called for another “march of millions” protest to be held on Saturday, November 13.

Several Sudanese told The National they have resorted to using word of mouth and leaflets to organise demonstrations against the military takeover because internet access was cut.

Large protests were staged on October 30 to mark the anniversary of the 2019 uprising, with thousands of people taking to the streets to show their opposition to the removal of Mr Hamdok.

Cuts to internet access during political unrest is not uncommon in Sudan. Services were disrupted during the nationwide protests that toppled Al Bashir.

Mediation efforts between the military and civilian leaders continue to stall.