Mali’s military government has officially lifted its seven-month ban on Starlink satellite internet, allowing citizens to reconnect to the service for the next six months. The ban, which was implemented in March 2024, was originally aimed at preventing armed groups in the northern and eastern regions from using Starlink for communication. With ongoing threats from factions linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIS, the government expressed concerns about the technology being misused by militant groups.
Despite these lingering security risks, the reintroduction of Starlink is seen as significant for Mali, particularly in providing internet access to remote areas that have been cut off due to the country’s political instability and security challenges. While the government plans to regulate the use of Starlink in conflict zones, many experts argue that limiting internet access could harm the country’s economic growth and disrupt education, especially in rural areas where connectivity is crucial.
Meanwhile, in Liberia, the Telecommunications Authority has secured a one-year licensing agreement with Starlink, marking a major step toward universal internet access in the country. Starlink is set to launch its service in Liberia in the first week of November, aiming to increase internet coverage from around 60% to nearly 100%. The arrival of Starlink is expected to greatly improve connectivity, providing much-needed backup during outages caused by existing infrastructure issues—offering a critical boost to Liberia’s communications landscape.
