MALI, Niger, and Burkina Faso have signed a major deal with Russia to acquire telecoms and surveillance satellites, in an effort to enhance security and communications across their borders. The three West African nations, governed by military juntas, have long been grappling with Islamist insurgencies and have increasingly relied on Russia for military and technological support.
Ministers from the three countries met with officials from Russia’s space agency, Roscosmos, in Mali’s capital, Bamako, to finalise the agreement. Mali’s Finance Minister, Alousséni Sanou, described the technology as critical for improving border surveillance and national security. The satellites will enable secure communications and enhance their ability to monitor and respond to emergencies such as floods, droughts, and fires.
‘These satellites are a strategic addition to our security infrastructure, allowing us to better protect our borders and respond to natural disasters,’ said Sanou.
Islamist insurgents frequently operate across the porous borders of these countries, located in the vast, semi-arid Sahel region south of the Sahara Desert. The new satellite systems are expected to significantly enhance the ability to track and combat these militants.
The deal follows the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States by the three nations last year, which originally focused on military cooperation but has since expanded into other areas. The satellite project comes just days after Islamist militants attacked an airport in Bamako, far from the usual conflict zones, underscoring the importance of heightened security measures.
In addition to security benefits, the telecoms satellite will broadcast television and radio signals, as well as provide internet and telephone services to remote and underdeveloped regions within the Sahel.
This partnership marks another step in Russia’s expanding influence in Africa, particularly in the Sahel region, where relations between these nations and their Western allies have deteriorated. Despite ongoing security challenges, the satellite deal represents a significant shift in their strategy to secure their territories.
Russia has consistently denied accusations of atrocities committed by its mercenaries in the region, as well as claims of spreading propaganda and misinformation in West Africa’s Sahel.
The acquisition of the satellites is seen as a critical component of the countries’ broader strategy to stabilise the region and improve national security while addressing infrastructure gaps. However, despite increased Russian support, the security situation in the region remains challenging.
