Sudan restores Internet but only for one person after a three-week shutdown

Abdel-Adheem Hassan, a lawyer in Sudan has told the BBC that the internet has been restored after a three-week shutdown but only for him.

On Sunday, Abdel-Adheem Hassan won a lawsuit against telecoms operator Zain Sudan over the blackout ordered by Sudan’s military rulers. However, he says his victory is only benefitting him so far as he filed the case in a personal capacity.

The internet was cut off after security forces violently dispersed protesters camping in central Khartoum. The protesters want an end to military rule following the coup against long-time leader Omar al-Bashir in April.

Hassan said he is currently the only civilian in the country able to access the internet without resorting to complicated hacks. He said he is going back to court on Tuesday to win the right for more Sudanese people.

“We have a court session tomorrow and another one the day after tomorrow. Hopefully one million people will gain internet access by the end of the week,”Hassan said.

BBC Arabic reporter Mohamed Osman in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan also confirms that the internet remains blocked despite Sunday’s court order.