Starlink: The newest asset for rebel and jihadist groups in West Africa
In a risk analysis bulletin published on May 12, the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC, a network of experts) confirmed that groups such as JNIM and ISWA are "exploiting the portable, high-speed connectivity [of Starlink] to enhance their operations." According to Nigerien security forces, Starlink devices have also been seized during counterterrorism operations in the Tillabéri and Tahoua regions in western Niger.
The Starlink network operates even in the most remote corners of the globe thanks to its constellation of telecommunications satellites – 8,800 in total, according to a count in early June – that orbit the Earth at low altitude. According to the company, Starlink is officially active in 20 out of 54 African countries, including Nigeria since 2023 and Niger since March 2025. Unlike traditional land-based communications infrastructure, which covers only 37% of the continent, Starlink boasts nearly complete internet coverage thanks to its constantly moving satellites orbiting the planet.
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LeMonde
3 days ago
- LeMonde
Starlink: The newest asset for rebel and jihadist groups in West Africa
From Mali to Chad, Starlink kits have increasingly become part of the equipment used by jihadist and rebel groups. Over the past two years, numerous videos and images have circulated on social media, showing the armed groups using the satellite internet system created by billionaire Elon Musk. The hardware, recognizable by its white satellite dish mounted on a tripod, appeared in June 2024 in a video released by the Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda affiliate, during an operation in the Gao region of eastern Mali against the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA). In a risk analysis bulletin published on May 12, the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC, a network of experts) confirmed that groups such as JNIM and ISWA are "exploiting the portable, high-speed connectivity [of Starlink] to enhance their operations." According to Nigerien security forces, Starlink devices have also been seized during counterterrorism operations in the Tillabéri and Tahoua regions in western Niger. The Starlink network operates even in the most remote corners of the globe thanks to its constellation of telecommunications satellites – 8,800 in total, according to a count in early June – that orbit the Earth at low altitude. According to the company, Starlink is officially active in 20 out of 54 African countries, including Nigeria since 2023 and Niger since March 2025. Unlike traditional land-based communications infrastructure, which covers only 37% of the continent, Starlink boasts nearly complete internet coverage thanks to its constantly moving satellites orbiting the planet.
France 24
4 days ago
- France 24
Making connections in Myanmar's fractured state
In commercial capital Yangon, a student flicks through apps that cloak his online identity so he can skirt social media bans that accompanied the 2021 coup. And in the mountainous east, customers at an internet cafe feverishly scroll for news from the outside, dependent on Elon Musk-owned satellites. Four years of civil war between Myanmar's military and its myriad opponents have shattered communications networks. In response, people have resorted to methods ranging from the old-fashioned to the ingenious to the hyper-modern. "I don't want to be cut off from the world," Hnin Sandar Soe, 20, said at an internet cafe in eastern Karenni state where she reads headlines, studies online and reaches out to friends and family. "It always brings a warm and comforting feeling to keep in touch with them." - Payphone lifeline - Myanmar has been under military rule for most of its post-independence history, but a decade-long democratic thaw starting in 2010 was accompanied by an astronomical growth in connectivity. That year, SIM cards cost $1,000 and fewer than five percent of the population owned a mobile phone, according to World Bank figures. Seven years later, that figure was 82 percent, as citizens seized on the rapidly developing cellular networks and novelty of free speech. But since the military toppled the civilian government and ignited the war, there has been a slide back into digital darkness. The junta has banned a slew of apps, conflict has eviscerated infrastructure and blackouts are weaponised by all sides. In western Rakhine state, where civil war has intensified long-running conflict, reliable communications are now a dim memory. Witnessing his neighbours hiking hills for mobile signal, Saw Thein Maung founded an old-fashioned payphone business six months ago. Today, he operates three phones wired to antennas on 10-metre (33-foot) poles that wobble in the wind above the delta town of Ponnagyun. The business earns him a relative fortune of up to $23 a day as customers clamour to dial out. "They don't want to stop speaking with their children elsewhere. They don't care how much they have to pay," Saw Thein Maung said. Customer Tun Lin, 27, uses the payphone to ring city-dwelling contacts to enquire about job openings. "Making phone calls is the only way," the unemployed former NGO worker said. - Satellite solutions - Activist group the Myanmar Internet Project (MIP) says there have been nearly 400 regional internet shutdowns since the junta takeover. What it calls a "digital coup" has slowed emergency responses, hampered education and hobbled the economy. "The public is experiencing hardship as a result of this insult added to injury," said MIP spokesman Han, who goes by one name. "They are looking for all kinds of ways to resist." In Karenni state, an internet cafe with a glowing blue router offers an oasis of connectivity, bypassing restrictions by tethering to Musk's Starlink satellite system. The junta has not licensed the technology, meaning it is illegal to operate. Cafe owner Marino had it smuggled over the border to his shop, where the cutting-edge web link contrasts with the corrugated roof and tarpaulin walls. "We need the internet to know what is happening in our country or the world and if our friends are doing well or not," he said. Nearby, an elderly woman chatted on her phone and a gaggle of teens played online games. - Dodging disconnection - Major cities under junta control retain reliable internet, but Facebook, Instagram, X and WhatsApp -- where opposition groups have typically organised -- are all banned. In Yangon, virtual private networks (VPNs) provide a way to dodge the bans. After the junta started blocking VPNs last year, a whisper network rippled through the city, with people sharing free options that still function. One week the best is 1.1.1.1, before JumpJumpVPN emerges as more popular, and then everyone moves to Now VPN. But the junta security forces now conduct spot checks for VPNs, said one 23-year-old student, speaking on condition of anonymity because he uses the outlawed apps. "Other countries have internet freedom and young people can learn freely," he said. "It is different in our country where everything is restricted. I feel our rights are blocked." © 2025 AFP
Sustainability Times
4 days ago
- Sustainability Times
'Tesla Breaks Free From China': Company Launches In-House LFP Battery Production in a Stunning Strategic Shift
IN A NUTSHELL 🔋 Tesla is nearing the completion of its first LFP battery production facility in Nevada, aiming to reduce reliance on Asian suppliers. is nearing the completion of its first production facility in Nevada, aiming to reduce reliance on Asian suppliers. 🚗 The facility will focus exclusively on producing LFP batteries , known for their durability and cost-effectiveness, especially for entry-level models. , known for their durability and cost-effectiveness, especially for entry-level models. 🌍 This strategic move could significantly impact the global EV market , encouraging other automakers to pursue similar paths toward self-reliance. , encouraging other automakers to pursue similar paths toward self-reliance. 🔧 While promising, the project faces challenges such as scaling up production and navigating regulatory hurdles, but Tesla's track record suggests readiness to overcome them. In a groundbreaking move, Tesla is on the verge of bolstering its independence from Asian battery manufacturers with the completion of its own LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery production facility. Situated next to the Gigafactory in Nevada, this new plant promises to revolutionize Tesla's supply chain, reducing its reliance on external suppliers like CATL, LG, and Panasonic. This strategic shift could not only enhance Tesla's control over its production but also set a new precedent in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. Let's delve into how this development signifies a pivotal moment for both Tesla and the broader automotive sector. Tesla's Strategic Shift in Battery Manufacturing Tesla's announcement of its nearly operational LFP battery plant marks a significant strategic pivot in the company's manufacturing approach. Historically, Tesla has relied heavily on Asian suppliers for its battery cells, which are the heart of any electric vehicle. Manufacturers like CATL and Panasonic have long been pivotal in supplying these essential components. However, with the completion of this facility in Nevada, Tesla aims to take a bold step towards self-reliance. This move is expected to reduce costs, improve supply chain efficiency, and potentially lead to innovations specific to Tesla's unique needs. The Nevada facility will focus exclusively on producing LFP batteries, which are known for their durability and cost-effectiveness. These batteries are particularly crucial for entry-level models, providing a balance of performance and affordability. By manufacturing its own LFP batteries, Tesla is not only reducing dependency but also paving the way for increased production capacity. This could lead to shorter lead times for vehicle assembly and a more agile response to market demands. 'Gates-Backed 'Flying Blades' Begin Spinning': This Radical U.S. Wind Tech Is Unlike Anything You've Ever Seen Before The Importance of LFP Batteries in Tesla's Lineup The introduction of in-house LFP battery production is especially significant for Tesla's lineup, impacting models that prioritize range and efficiency. LFP batteries, while slightly less energy-dense than their NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) counterparts, offer numerous advantages. They are inherently safer due to their thermal stability and have a longer lifespan, making them ideal for vehicles that undergo frequent charging cycles. Traditionally, Tesla's higher-end models have utilized NMC batteries for their superior energy density, which translates to longer driving ranges. However, the cost-effectiveness of LFP batteries makes them a preferred choice for mass-market models, such as the Model 3 and Model Y. By producing these batteries domestically, Tesla could potentially offer more competitive pricing for its vehicles, attracting a broader customer base. This shift not only enhances Tesla's product offerings but also underscores the brand's commitment to innovation and sustainability. 'Ferrari Goes Full Sci-Fi': This 100-Foot Racing Yacht Has No Engine and Moves Like Nothing You've Ever Seen Potential Impact on the Global EV Market Tesla's move to manufacture its own LFP batteries is poised to have ripple effects across the global EV market. As one of the leading electric car manufacturers, Tesla's strategies often set trends for the industry. By reducing its dependence on Asian suppliers, Tesla is challenging the status quo and encouraging other automakers to consider similar paths. This could lead to a significant restructuring of the global battery supply chain, with more production facilities being established outside of Asia. 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