The Democratic Republic of Congo's telecoms regulator has accused South Africa's MTN Group of operating mobile network infrastructure without authorisation in a sensitive region near the country's eastern border. The Autorité de Régulation de la Poste et des Télécommunications (ARPT) stated that MTN installed base stations in the territory of Rutshuru, in North Kivu province, without obtaining the necessary licence, a move it says violates national regulations.

In a formal notice dated 3 April 2026, the ARPT directed MTN Congo, the group's local subsidiary, to immediately cease all operations of the disputed infrastructure. The regulator gave the company a deadline of 15 days to provide written justification for its actions. The ARPT's statement, released publicly, did not specify the exact number of base stations involved or the date they became operational.

The eastern border region of the DRC, including North Kivu, is an area of significant instability, with numerous armed groups active. The security implications of unauthorised telecommunications infrastructure in such zones are a longstanding concern for Congolese authorities, who often cite risks related to illegal financial flows and communication for militant activities. MTN Congo, which holds a nationwide licence to provide mobile services, is one of the country's major operators alongside Vodacom, Orange, and Africell.

MTN Group has acknowledged receiving the notice from the ARPT. In a response, the company said it is engaging with the regulator to clarify the matter. "MTN confirms that it has received correspondence from the ARPT and is engaging with the regulator on this topic," a company spokesperson stated. The group emphasised its commitment to regulatory compliance but did not provide further details on the nature of the installations in Rutshuru.

This incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing regulatory scrutiny of telecom operators across Africa, where governments are seeking to maximise revenue from the sector and assert greater control over digital infrastructure. In the DRC, the telecoms market is competitive but also challenging, with operators navigating complex regulatory environments and infrastructure hurdles. The ARPT's action highlights the persistent tensions between mobile network operators seeking to expand coverage and regulators enforcing territorial and licensing frameworks.

The outcome of this dispute could have implications for MTN's operations and its relationship with the Congolese government. A failure to resolve the issue satisfactorily may result in financial penalties or further restrictions. For the DRC, the case underscores the ongoing efforts to formalise and secure telecommunications networks, particularly in regions where state authority is contested. The development will be watched closely by other international operators in the region, as it tests the boundaries of licence agreements and the enforcement powers of national regulators.