Unless you live under a metaphorical rock and haven’t read our weekly updates; week in color: 7, 8, 9, 11, 14, 15, 18, 20 , you are aware of the revolution that is occuring right now. As of Sunday, June 16, 2019, in Sudan. And as we write.
Re-cap:
Sudan has been experiencing constant instability in government since the independence of South Sudan in 2011 & a huge lack of foreign currency.
On Monday; June 3, paramilitaries in Khartoum threw dozens of bodies into the Nile in an attempt to hide the number of casualties they inflicted during a pro-democracy protest at the capital.
According to doctors & activists, more than 100 people have been killed in the crackdown against demonstrators by Rapid Support Forces (RSF) across Sudan.
Sudan has been under military rule since President-dictator Omar al-Bashir was knocked off his 30-year reign.
It was suggested that a military-led transitional government would lead the country to democracy.
The Sudan Doctors’ Committee; the medical arm of the SPA, said security forces retrieved more than 40 bodies from the Nile.
This contradicts previous estimates on Monday’s attack in the central Khartoum, which puts the death toll at 20 people.
Details of rapes by the RSF are also coming to light.
The break down of possible negotiations between the military & protest leaders began due to disagreements over military or civilian leadership of a transitional body.
The internet has been shutdown in Sudan.
A recurring problem.
As things have shown so far, internet shutdowns and oppressive regimes go hand in hand. What easier way to disconnect a people than to shut down the roads by which they access the internet, specifically, twitter, to voice thoughts or instagram to share imagery.
A Technology Solution
But first, let’s get you up to speed.
With a thing called a Wireless ad hoc network.
Wireless ad hoc network:
is a decentralised type of wireless network. The network is ad hoc because it does not rely on a pre-existing infrastructure, such as routers in wired networks or access points in managed (infrastructure) wireless networks.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_ad_hoc_network
and don’t forget;
The Internet is
the global system of interconnected computer networks that use the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to link devices worldwide. It is a network of networks that consists of private, public, academic, business, and government networks of local to global scope, linked by a broad array of electronic, wireless, and optical networking technologies. The Internet carries a vast range of information resources and services, such as the inter-linked hypertext documents and applications of the World Wide Web (WWW), electronic mail, telephony, and file sharing.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet
Now, we know a wireless ad hoc network is a wireless network that does not require infrastructure to function. We also understand that the internet can be simplified to the connection between computers, one computer accessing files and protocol on another computer.
On to the next!
Recently, the proprietary mobile app FireChat has developed a social messaging option that does not necessarily require an Internet connection.
https://www.youredm.com/2015/08/01/firechat-creates-new-private-messaging-app-perfect-for-music-festival-goers/
By utilizing bluetooth and WiFi signals FireChat can connect phones together and get messages across using wireless mesh networking. (A form of ad hoc wireless network)
Repurposed for a cause: #SudanUprising the App
Now let us see if we can use these basic network principles and technology examples to create an app that would be of service to those protesting for the revolution in Sudan.
After receiving a copy of the app via, internet, Wifi, bluetooth, or simply a thumb drive, revolutionaries; like members of the Alliance for Freedom & change in Sudan, can sign up with an anonymous username, set a password, authenticate permissions and begin sharing information.
The app will function best in densely populated areas where data can be shared from phone to phone reliably.
Features:
#IamtheSudanRevolution Timeline
This modified timelines allows revolutionaries to share and exchange images, thoughts, and information in a central location, creating a virtual meeting place, where physical restrictions are in place.
#StandwithSudan Community Watch
As death tolls rise, and images of violence make there way to social media timelines. Revolutionaries in Sudan will be able to strategically organize and plan demonstration routes avoiding violent military opposition. In moments of anarchy check this map to remind yourself you are never alone. The signal feature also allows revolutionaries to alert others of danger, and human rights violations.
This concludes this week’s Tech Talk.
Remember #WeToldYou
#SudanUprising
