DRC Government Acts Against MTN Rwanda for Illegal Use of Frequencies

Kinshasa, February 11, 2026 - Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka has instructed the DRC government to take immediate technical action against MTN Rwanda for its illegal use of Congolese frequencies. The decision follows a meeting with Minister of Posts and Telecommunications José Mpanda Kabangu, the President of the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ARPTC), and representatives from major mobile operators in the DRC, including Airtel, Orange, and Vodacom. The discussions focused on MTN Rwanda’s unauthorized occupation of national frequencies, which Minister Mpanda described as a strategic and sovereign issue. The Prime Minister instructed the ARPTC to take the lead in technical communications regarding the matter, with political bodies to intervene once the technical aspects are clarified. “The issue remains technical. Technical communication will be conducted, and political bodies will come afterward. The Prime Minister has given precise instructions for ARPTC experts to communicate and contact international bodies,” stated José Mpanda. The DRC intends to defend its frequencies and prevent any malicious foreign intrusion, a concern heightened by the ongoing M23/AFC rebellion in eastern DRC, which reportedly receives support from Rwanda.

Faits rapportés

Kinshasa, February 11, 2026 - Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka has instructed the DRC government to take immediate technical action against MTN Rwanda for its illegal use of Congolese frequencies. The decision follows a meeting with Minister of Posts and Telecommunications José Mpanda Kabangu, the President of the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ARPTC), and representatives from major mobile operators in the DRC, including Airtel, Orange, and Vodacom. The discussions focused on MTN Rwanda’s unauthorized occupation of national frequencies, which Minister Mpanda described as a strategic and sovereign issue. The Prime Minister instructed the ARPTC to take the lead in technical communications regarding the matter, with political bodies to intervene once the technical aspects are clarified. “The issue remains technical. Technical communication will be conducted, and political bodies will come afterward. The Prime Minister has given precise instructions for ARPTC experts to communicate and contact international bodies,” stated José Mpanda. The DRC intends to defend its frequencies and prevent any malicious foreign intrusion, a concern heightened by the ongoing M23/AFC rebellion in eastern DRC, which reportedly receives support from Rwanda.