The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), consisting of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, has announced a collaborative venture with Russian space group Roscosmos to launch a dual satellite program aimed at enhancing communication and security measures in the region. The announcement was made by Mali’s Minister of Economy and Finance, Alousseni Sanou, during a recent meeting in Bamako with AES member officials.
The ambitious initiative includes the deployment of a communications satellite and an Earth remote sensing satellite. The communications satellite is designed to improve the broadcasting of television and radio signals across the three countries, as well as establish a robust multi-service network that will bring internet and telephone services to remote areas using Vsat technology for high-speed internet connectivity.
The Earth remote sensing satellite will focus on collecting spatial imagery for monitoring national borders and bolstering security. It will also provide essential data for assessing natural resources like agricultural land and pastures, and support the monitoring of natural disasters.
The collaboration with Roscosmos reflects a strategic alignment with the AES’s needs, as expressed by Niger’s Minister of Communications, Sidi Mohamed Raliou. He praised the partnership for offering a more sincere and responsive relationship, tailored to the unique challenges faced by the Sahel region.
This satellite program is part of a broader engagement with Russia, which includes agreements on nuclear energy development and other initiatives between Rosatom and Mali, along with solar energy projects and geological exploration efforts.
Formed last September, the AES has increasingly turned to Russia for security assistance amidst ongoing jihadist insurgencies. The shift comes as all three member countries, currently under military rule, move away from traditional ties with France and seek new international partnerships to address regional challenges. This initiative marks a significant step in leveraging advanced technology to enhance both communications and security infrastructure in the Sahel region.
