Sudanese authorities have announced daily internet shutdowns during the Sudanese Certificate examinations, which began today, Saturday. The service will be cut off from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM daily.
A decision to cut off the Internet from all parts of Sudan
According to “Sudan News,” the decision applies to all secure Sudanese states and several Sudanese diplomatic missions abroad.Authorities justified this measure as aimed at ensuring the integrity of exams and preventing any attempts at leaking or cheating, despite internet service already being cut off in most states for months, with residents relying on satellite internet.
This measure comes at a time when the educational process in Sudan faces significant challenges due to the current situation in the country.
The Sudanese Teachers’ Committee strongly criticized the decision to conduct exams under these circumstances, considering that their purpose does not serve the educational process as much as it aims to “establish the reality of war.”The committee explained that eight Sudanese states suffer from complete deprivation of education, while three other states experience partial deprivation, out of eighteen states.
The committee held the government fully responsible for any consequences that may result from insisting on conducting exams at this inappropriate time, pointing to the lack of consideration for fairness and inclusivity, as well as the failure to provide necessary safety measures for teachers and students.The committee warned that these exams could exacerbate the situation in the country, increasing risks for both students and teachers. They called for a reconsideration of the decision to conduct exams, demanding a safe and stable educational environment that guarantees the right to education for all in all states, especially in light of current crises.
The committee emphasized that achieving peace and stability in the country is a fundamental condition for ensuring a better future for coming generations.It is worth noting that in May, Starlink, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, announced the closure of its satellite internet service in Sudan.
This decision sparked anger in Sudan, with nearly 100 humanitarian organizations warning Musk that he risks “collective punishment” for millions of Sudanese by shutting down the internet service.A coalition of 94 human rights organizations working in Sudan issued a statement in May stating that “any shutdown of communication services is a violation of human rights and can be considered collective punishment that will not only isolate individuals from their support networks but will also exacerbate the already poor economic situation facing millions.”
