MTN faces new allegations of aiding al-Qaeda and the Taliban

Loading player...
Dobek Pater, Africa Analysis Mb And Telecomms Analyst talks about According to Reuters, the allegations claim that MTN paid protection money to both of these terrorist groups. The original lawsuit against MTN was filed in December 2019 in the United States District Court in the District of Columbia. The lawsuit claimed that MTN – along with five other groups – violated America’s Anti-Terrorism Act by paying al-Qaeda and the Taliban.
“The complaint was filed on behalf of American service members and civilians, and their families, who were killed or wounded in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2017,” said MTN in December. “The complaint alleges that several Western businesses supported the Taliban by, inter alia, making payments to ensure the protection of their infrastructure.”
9 Jun 2020 12PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

What SA Retail Spending Trends Reveal About Consumers

Consumer panel expert Lané Klopper from NIQ South Africa unpacked how South Africans spent R683 billion on FMCG goods in 2025, with growth in traditional trade and smaller basket shopping reflecting financial pressure.
5 Mar 2PM 12 min

MultiChoice to Shut Down Showmax

MultiChoice has announced it will close Showmax after years of heavy investment and mounting losses. Business writer Mudiwa Gavaza explained the move reflects challenges in Africa’s streaming economics, rising content costs and strategic shifts under new ownership. MultiChoice to Shut Down Showmax: MultiChoice has announced it will close Showmax after…
5 Mar 2PM 26 min

FirstRand Posts Strong Results Amid Tough Economy

FirstRand delivered an 11% rise in normalised earnings to R23.2 billion for the six months to December 2025. CEO Mary Vilakazi said the performance was driven by solid momentum across FNB, RMB and WesBank, with diversified growth supporting returns.
5 Mar 2PM 13 min