A Sudanese court has ordered the country's three main telecommunications providers,  Zain, MTN and local provider Sudani to restore internet services immediately, according to lawyer Abdelazim Hassan, who raised a complaint on behalf of the Sudanese Consumer Protection Society, as the country entered its sixteenth day of an internet blackout following a coup by military leaders on Oct. 25.

While some Sudanese users have managed to find a connection, the online blackout has made it difficult for most people to communicate, particularly with those outside the country. About eight hours after the court order, there was no sign of internet services returning.

The blackout has meant further impunity for attacks in Darfur, said Adam Rojal, spokesman for the Coordinating Committee for Refugees and Displaced People, which records attacks in the region. At least four people have been killed in more than 10 militia attacks across the region, with more injured and sexually assaulted.