Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have agreed with Russia to acquire telecommunications and surveillance satellites for the junta led countries.
Officials from Roscosmos, Russia’s aerospace agency, met with ministers from the three countries in Mali’s capital, Bamako, on Monday to formalize the deal, BBC reported.
These West African nations, all governed by military juntas, have faced long-standing challenges in combating Islamist insurgencies and have sought military assistance from Russia.
Mali’s Finance Minister, Alousséni Sanou, stated that the satellite technology would enhance border surveillance and national security across all three nations, while also enabling secure communications.
Islamist insurgents continue to operate across the vast, porous borders of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso in the semi-arid Sahel region south of the Sahara Desert.
Mali’s Finance Minister, Alousséni Sanou, also stated that the newly acquired satellites would aid in monitoring and responding to natural disasters such as floods, droughts, fires, and other emergencies.
Last September, the military leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger established the Alliance of Sahel States, a mutual defence pact set up in response to international pressure for a prompt return to civilian rule, as well as the enduring jihadist insurgencies that persist in the three nations.
The remote-sensing satellite project is seen as a critical part of their security strategy, especially following a recent Islamist militant attack on Bamako’s airport, an unusual target, far from the jihadists’ typical areas of operation.
In addition to enhancing security, ministers stated that the telecom satellite would enable the broadcast of television and radio signals across all three countries.
It is also expected to provide internet and telephone services in remote and underdeveloped areas of the Sahel, improving communication infrastructure.
Russia has been actively working to expand its influence in Africa, particularly in the Sahel, as relations between these nations and their Western allies have deteriorated. However, despite the influx of Russian weapons and mercenaries, the security situation in the region remains dire.
Russia has long aimed to strengthen its military ties with Africa, especially as relations between African nations and their Western allies have soured.
So far this year, the Kremlin has deployed soldiers to Niger, replacing U.S. forces previously stationed there. Additionally, Russia has expanded its military presence in Burkina Faso.
