The capital city of Central Darfur State, Zalingei, has been grappling with a severe communication crisis for the past five months, adversely affecting its residents. The shutdown of communication services since mid-May has left citizens unable to contact their loved ones or access vital information.

The disruption in communication services was initiated due to intensified conflict between the army and the rapid support forces, leaving residents isolated and struggling to communicate beyond their immediate surroundings. This loss of communication has forced many to resort to alternative means of staying informed.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Thursday, Hassan Ali, a Zalingei resident, shared his predicament, highlighting the difficulty of connecting with family members outside the city due to the absence of smartphone communication. His basic phone only works outside the city, making travel to neighbouring areas an impossibility due to his age and health.

Engineer Sabri Abdul Rahim, another resident, emphasized that the war in the region has revealed significant flaws in the communication sector, stemming from the centralization of communication technology and main servers located in the capital, Khartoum. The cessation of these servers has a cascading effect on the entire network.

Furthermore, issues with the network strengthening towers, which rely on generator electricity, fuel, and maintenance, have hindered service quality. Although Internet-based communication has provided some relief, it necessitates community awareness and capacity-building to fully utilize this medium.

Another resident, Adam Jaralnabi, said that Internet-based communication is not a definitive solution but rather a necessity during the current circumstances. While it helps connect people and facilitates communication, it is not a substitute for traditional communication networks.

The communication crisis in Zalingei has prompted humanitarian and human rights organizations to raise concerns about the living conditions and access to information for the city's residents. Efforts have emerged, both locally and among concerned citizens abroad, to pressure conflicting parties to restore communication services, emphasizing the importance of connectivity for the well-being of the population.