Russia signs satellite deal with juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger
Russia will deploy communications and remote sensing satellites over Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, where military juntas have taken power and cut ties with the West, The New York Times reported on Sept. 25.
On Sept. 23, officials from three African nations and Russia's space agency announced a partnership to deploy satellites aimed at enhancing security, managing natural disasters, and improving internet access in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
Under the agreement, Roscosmos will assist in creating telecommunications systems and deploying satellites to monitor border areas threatened by Islamist rebels.
However, details on costs were not disclosed, and operational timelines for the satellites remain unclear.
Niger's communications minister said the satellites would also aid in addressing climate change impacts, which have recently caused significant devastation in Africa.
Mali's economy minister previously mentioned that the satellites would help map mining resources, notably gold reserves targeted by Wagner mercenaries.
The agreement reflects Russia's growing influence in the region, where it has provided military instructors, helicopters, and Wagner fighters to the juntas, although they have struggled to reclaim rebel-held areas.
In July, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger formed the Alliance of Sahelian States and sought military aid from Moscow.
All three countries have backed Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, even accusing Ukraine of supporting Tuareg rebels in a letter to the UN Security Council.
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