Since 2021, telecom operators Moov Africa and Orange have taken several initiatives and actions to overturn a decision by the Bamako Court of Appeal condemning them to pay heavy fines. The actions notably led to a strike in February 2022.
Telecom operators Moov Africa Malitel and Orange Mali must pay CFAF176 billion ($284.2 million) to the Malian telecom consumers’ association RECOTEM. The two telecom operators are accused of having billed their customers for calls that went to voicemails. The decision, initially handed down in 2021, was confirmed by the Supreme Court of Mali on Monday 13 March 2023.
According to the verdict, Moov Africa Malitel will have to pay CFAF 56.5 billion to RECOTEM while Orange Mali will pay CFAF 115.3 billion. The two operators will also have to pay CFAF 1.5 billion to the consumer rights association as damages.
RECOTEM is seeking justice in the case dubbed “ facturation du répondeur” (voicemail billing) since 2012. The case was initially dismissed by the court with the Malian telecom regulator AMRTP deeming the practice legal and complied with the principle of tariff freedom provided for by enforceable regulations.
The association finally won its case in November 2021, before the Bamako Court of Appeal. Since then, the local telecom operators’ union has taken action to overturn the “unfair” court decision condemning the country's two main mobile operators. The actions included sit-ins, strike action, negotiations with the authorities, and an appeal to the Supreme Court.
Adama Traoré, president of RECOTEM said he was satisfied with the decision. He also indicated that the fines would be invested in development projects to create jobs for the youth and women, contributing to the fight against illegal immigration and reducing the harm caused by illegal gold mining.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
ECOWAS central bank governors reaffirm a 2027 target for launching the Eco. Nigeria signals...
West African Development Bank (BOAD) launched preparation of its 2026–2030 strategic plan wit...
Investigation targets alleged breaches of Nigeria’s 2023 data protection law Platform processes p...
BOAD appointed Adji Sokhna M’Baye as Chief Executive Officer of BOAD Market Solutions, its new str...
Algeria plans to launch construction of the $13 billion Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) a...
French think tank coins “CUBITA” for six agricultural powers Group accounts for one-third of global farm exports Report says members could reshape...
Africa’s grasslands could shrink up to 65% by 2100 Over 110 million livestock farmers risk losing incomes Globally, up to half of grazing land may...
Xcalibur to launch $297.8 million mapping phase in DRC Three-year surveys to cover 700,000 square kilometers Program aims to modernize data,...
Senegal, Canada finalize plans for Dakar-Montreal flights Air Transat to operate twice weekly from June Route expected to boost diaspora...
Located about 500 kilometers southwest of Cairo, between the oases of Bahariya and Farafra, the White Desert stands out as one of Egypt’s most distinctive...
The University of Lomé on Wednesday opened a fossil and rock exhibition hall showcasing specimens from the country’s coastal sedimentary basin. Led by the...