Mali’s military junta has reversed its ban on Starlink satellite internet kits, a move that comes after six months of review and concern over potential misuse by armed groups. The junta initially banned the kits in March, citing fears that they could be used by non-state organizations and private individuals in the country’s volatile north and east, regions plagued by separatist and jihadist groups.
Starlink, Elon Musk’s ambitious satellite internet service, offers internet connectivity to remote locations and areas with disrupted communication infrastructure through its network of low Earth orbit satellites. The kits typically include a router, a receiving antenna, and a power supply.
The junta’s concerns stemmed from the potential for the uncontrolled use of Starlink technology to aid armed groups. They stated that the “uncontrolled and illicit use of this technology, which has not been approved in Mali, may encourage the actions of armed terrorist groups to flourish and constitutes a breach of market rules.”
Following the ban, the junta announced a review process involving internet providers, regulators, and licensed operators. The outcome of this review, as stated in the minutes of a recent cabinet meeting, led to the lifting of the ban for a six-month period. During this time, the government will develop a regulatory framework and establish a platform for registering and identifying all Starlink users and equipment in Mali.
The minutes of the cabinet meeting also acknowledged that despite the ban, Starlink kits already sold and installed were still operational and potentially in the wrong hands.
Mali, currently ruled by a military junta since 2020, faces a multifaceted crisis encompassing political, security, and economic challenges. The country has been plagued by various factions affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group since 2012. The decision to lift the ban on Starlink, while accompanied by a focus on regulation, reflects the junta’s desire to balance the potential benefits of satellite internet connectivity with the need to address security concerns in the fragile context of Mali.
