Mali’s top Court upholds Appeal Court decision fining Moov Africa Malitel, Orange-Mali

Mali’s Supreme Court has confirmed in a final decision demanding Moov Africa Malitel and Orange-Mali, two telecom companies, to pay up to $195 million to the Association of Telecom service clients (Remacotem).
Remacotem in 2021 sued both companies before the courts for illegal taxation of calls answered by the answering machine.
The telecom companies denied any wrongdoing but the Court of Appeal of Bamako in November same year ruled against the firms and demanded that they pay Remacotem fine.
The two firms which yield much influence on the job market of West African countries rejected the court decision but the Supreme Court confirmed the decision in March this year.
It also rubber-stamped the decision on May 12 in a final decision impossible to be revoked. Moov Africa Malitel, a subsidiary of Maroc Telecom will pay $87,600 of the total fine.
Remacotem, also according to the court final ruling, are authorized to seize by Monday May 15 the accounts of both companies, should they fail to abide by the court decision.