Starlink au Sénégal : la Cour suprême a tranché
The State of Senegal's appeal was rejected. According to information from Libération, the government, through the State Judicial Agent (AJE), had appealed to the Supreme Court to ask it to overturn its previous decision ordering the suspension of the execution of decree no. 038974 of November 6, 2025. This decree authorized Starlink Senegal SUARL, a subsidiary of SpaceX, to provide fixed satellite internet access services in Senegal for a renewable period of five years.
In a decision issued on November 3, the Supreme Court rejected the state's request. As a result, the authorization granted to Starlink remains suspended.
Sonatel initiated the appeal
At the origin of this procedure, Sonatel had appealed to the Administrative Chamber of the Supreme Court to obtain the annulment of the authorization granted to Starlink, as well as the Minister's decision rejecting its appeal on May 12, 2026.
Sonatel's arguments
To justify its challenge, the operator points out that it holds a "first-rank individual license for the establishment and operation of networks open to the public and the provision of electronic communications services".
Sonatel also highlights its financial commitments, stating that it has paid a total of 134.5 billion CFA francs, broken down as follows: 68 billion for the renewal of its concession; 32 billion for the acquisition of new 4G frequencies and 34.5 billion for 5G.
In addition to these financial commitments, there are numerous regulatory obligations: territorial coverage, universal service, continuity and quality of service, interconnection, contribution to the Universal Telecommunications Service Development Fund (FDSUT) and payment of annual fees.
A transparency issue raised
Among the other grievances raised, Sonatel contests the conditions under which Starlink was granted authorization. It specifically cites compliance with the obligation to publish documents relating to authorizations, as stipulated in Article 63 of the Electronic Communications Code.
In his response to Sonatel's appeal, the minister indicated that this publication obligation fell under the jurisdiction of the Telecommunications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARTP). Sonatel disputes this explanation.
Commentaires (11)
C’est inacceptable
C Cher la Sonatel ,Sénégal un état faible
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