Humanitarian Groups Warn Elon Musk: Starlink Shutdown in Sudan Risks “Collective Punishment”

Nearly 100 humanitarian groups in Sudan have cautioned Elon Musk against shutting down his Starlink satellite internet service, warning it could “collectively punish” millions amid the country’s severe telecommunications blackout. Starlink, the satellite arm of Musk’s SpaceX, has been a critical tool for aid organizations operating during Sudan’s ongoing humanitarian crisis, which the UN describes as the largest in decades.

Starlink plans to withdraw services in Sudan due to licensing issues, a move that threatens to disrupt emergency assistance coordination for civilians caught in the year-long civil conflict between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese military. The conflict has led to over 8 million displacements, with half of Sudan’s population, 25 million people, needing humanitarian aid.

A coalition of 94 rights organizations, including Islamic Relief Worldwide and Sudan Human Rights Network, issued a statement condemning the potential shutdown. They emphasized that such action would violate human rights, isolate individuals from support networks, and worsen the economic situation for millions.

The groups highlighted the critical role of Starlink in regions like Darfur, Khartoum, and Kordofan, where formal telecommunication is down. The areas are most exposed to conflict and famine, making the potential Starlink shutdown even more devastating. The coalition urges the repair of Sudan’s telecommunications infrastructure to ensure continued support for those in need.