Juba High Court Summons MTN Over Deleted Data Bundles ,Poor Network

By Jenifer James

MTN South Sudan has been summoned to appear before the High Court in Juba on November 18, 2026, to respond to a civil lawsuit challenging its handling of unused data bundles, poor network coverage, and difficulties accessing mobile money services.

The case, registered as Petition No. 455/2026, was filed by Peter Malou Jalap, who is suing on his own behalf and on behalf of other affected subscribers.

According to a press release dated November 4, the court admitted the petition and issued a summons requiring MTN South Sudan to appear and respond to the allegations.

The petitioner alleges that MTN automatically deletes paid but unused data and voice bundles upon expiry, even when subscribers are unable to use them because of network interruptions.

The petition further claims that approximately SSP 10 billion remains locked in the MTN Mobile Money system, leaving customers unable to access their funds due to transaction failures, poor network connectivity, and liquidity challenges among mobile money agents.

Jalap also pointed to persistent network outages in Lakes, Warrap, Jonglei, and the Equatoria region, which he claims have resulted in subscribers losing their purchased bundles before network services are restored.

He argued that the situation disproportionately affects students, small businesses, and rural communities that depend on internet connectivity and mobile money services for their daily activities.

“In South Sudan, we pay for internet but remain offline because either data is deleted or there is no network coverage,” Jalap stated.

In his petition, Jalap is asking the court to declare the automatic deletion of paid but unused data and voice bundles without rollover or refunds an unfair practice. He is also seeking an order requiring MTN to introduce a rollover or refund policy for affected subscribers.

Additionally, the petitioner is seeking an audit of inaccessible mobile money balances, compensation for affected subscribers, general damages, and reimbursement of legal costs.

Jalap further claimed that previous complaints and appeals to the National Communications Authority (NCA), MTN Group headquarters in South Africa, and consumer protection organisations over the company’s data policies have gone unanswered.

MTN South Sudan is expected to respond to the allegations when the matter comes before the High Court on November 18, 2026.