(KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s telecommunications regulator has announced that all voice and video calls made through Meta’s WhatsApp will be blocked starting next week, citing concerns over national security in a country already grappling with widespread conflict and disrupted communications infrastructure.
The decision, issued by the Telecommunications and Post Regulatory Authority on Sunday, is set to take effect on Friday, 25 July 2025. The regulator described the move as a “precautionary measure” aimed at safeguarding Sudan’s national interests amid growing insecurity and political instability.
According to the statement, the restriction will only apply to voice and video call features of WhatsApp. Other functionalities of the application including text messaging, photo sharing and group chats will remain available to users across the country.
The announcement comes as a major setback for many Sudanese people who depend on WhatsApp for daily communication, especially in areas where mobile networks and internet access have been severely disrupted by the ongoing war. Key regions such as Darfur and Kordofan have witnessed the destruction of major telecom infrastructure, leaving citizens with limited means to connect with each other.
The regulator acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the ban, particularly to Sudanese nationals living abroad who rely on WhatsApp to maintain contact with family members back home. These users often turn to internet based services to avoid high international calling rates. In its public note, the authority apologised but urged citizens to “prioritise the nation’s interest over their personal interests.”
The decision places Sudan among several countries that have implemented similar restrictions on internet based communication services. For instance, the United Arab Emirates has long maintained limitations on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls, including WhatsApp and similar platforms.
Though Sudanese authorities did not specify the exact nature of the security threats prompting the restriction, the country has been in a prolonged state of crisis since the outbreak of internal conflict between rival military factions in April 2023. The war has displaced millions, disrupted civil governance and left much of the country with minimal or no access to reliable communication tools.
For South Sudanese observers and diaspora communities, the move also raises concerns. Many families in South Sudan maintain cross-border ties with relatives in Sudan. The restriction could make communication more difficult, especially for those unable to afford alternative calling services.
At present, there are no announced plans to introduce alternative platforms or government supported solutions to replace WhatsApp’s calling features. The regulator did not indicate when the restrictions might be lifted.
