SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announced on Sunday via a post on X (formerly Twitter) that the company’s satellite internet service, Starlink, is now operational in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The announcement follows a decision by the Congolese government on Friday to grant Starlink an operating license, overturning a ban that had been in place since March 2024.
Authorities had previously prohibited the use of Starlink, citing national security concerns. Military officials warned at the time that the satellite service could be exploited by armed groups, including the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels, who have gained significant ground in the eastern part of the country this year.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, which has experienced prolonged conflict particularly in its eastern regions, suffers from poor internet connectivity. According to the International Telecommunication Union, only about 30% of the population had internet access as of 2023.
Starlink’s arrival is expected to improve digital access in the remote and underserved areas of the country.
