Sudan-level fiber optic cable break

Heavy rains and flash floods in Sudan's Red Sea state have caused a major fiber optic cable break, leading to widespread communications outages across multiple states.

Cause of the Outage

The disruption was caused by heavy rains and flash floods in the Haiya area of Red Sea state, a key hub where fiber optic cables converge and connect major cities like Port Sudan, Suakin, and Atbara. Flooding in this area damaged essential terrestrial fiber infrastructure, making maintenance and repair operations difficult .

Affected Areas

The cable break has resulted in intermittent or complete communication outages across large parts of Sudan, including:

• Red Sea state (Haiya, Port Sudan, Suakin)
• Kassala, New Halfa, and El Gedaref
• El Obeid and En Nahud
• Sennar, White Nile, and El Gezira states
• Omdurman and River Nile state experienced temporary interruptions before partial restoration

Impact on Communications

The outage has severely affected internet and telecommunications services, disrupting both private and public networks. Many residents and organizations have had to rely on satellite communications like Starlink, which are costly and sometimes restricted by authorities for security reasons . The disruption has compounded ongoing connectivity challenges in areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces, where networks have been unstable for months.

Sudan's Fiber Optic Infrastructure Context

Sudan's fiber optic network includes both terrestrial and undersea connections. In August 2024, a 1Gbps dedicated undersea fiber link in Port Sudan was activated to enhance connectivity and reduce reliance on satellite services. This undersea cable supports humanitarian operations and key urban centers, but terrestrial links remain vulnerable to natural disasters like floods .

Restoration Efforts

Engineers are working to repair the damaged cables, but flooding and heavy rains in Haiya and surrounding areas are slowing progress. Partial service has been restored in some regions, but full recovery is expected to take additional time due to the challenging conditions .

Key Takeaways

• The outage highlights the vulnerability of Sudan's terrestrial fiber network to extreme weather events.
• Alternative connectivity solutions, such as undersea cables and satellite networks, are critical for maintaining communications during emergencies.
• Restoration is ongoing, but residents and organizations should anticipate intermittent service until repairs are completed.