7 things about Russian space agency's pact with African military juntas

Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, three West African nations under military juntas, have entered an agreement with Russia to acquire telecommunications and surveillance satellites.

Here are seven key takeaways from the recent pact involving Russia’s aerospace agency, Roscosmos, and the military governments of these Sahelian nations.

1. Context of alliance of Sahel states: In September 2023, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso established the Alliance of Sahel States, a mutual defence pact aimed at addressing shared security concerns.

The satellite deal with Russia is seen as an extension of this alliance’s efforts to strengthen military cooperation and develop robust security strategies, particularly as Islamist insurgencies continue to pose a significant threat, Business Insider Africa reported.

2. Russia’s expanding influence in the Sahel: Russia has steadily been increasing its influence in Africa, particularly in the Sahel, where relations between these nations and their traditional Western allies have deteriorated, according to BBC.

Despite ongoing security challenges, Russia has supplied weapons and mercenaries to assist these nations in their fight against insurgents.

This satellite deal is part of a broader strategy by Russia to cement military and political ties with African countries.

3. Russia’s controversial role in Africa: Russia’s presence has not been without controversy. Russia has been accused of pushing propaganda and misinformation in the region, while its mercenaries, often linked to the Wagner Group, have been accused of committing atrocities against civilians.

Despite these concerns, the junta governments continue to turn to Russia for military assistance, viewing Moscow as a reliable alternative to former Western allies.

4. Focus on national security, surveillance: The deal with Roscosmos is designed to bolster border surveillance and national security in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.

According to Mali’s Finance Minister, Alousséni Sanou, the satellite technology will play a critical role in monitoring the vast, porous borders of these countries, which have long struggled with Islamist insurgencies. The surveillance capabilities are expected to help address long-standing security vulnerabilities across the region.

5. Secure comms in insurgent-dominated areas: One of the primary benefits highlighted by the three governments is the potential for secure communications. In areas where insurgents operate, ensuring the confidentiality and reliability of military communications is crucial.

These satellites will provide the three nations with enhanced, encrypted communication channels, improving coordination among military forces fighting insurgencies across their shared borders.

6. Telecom infrastructure expansion in remote areas: The satellite deal includes the acquisition of telecommunications satellites. These may provide essential internet and telephone services to underdeveloped and remote regions of the Sahel, improving connectivity for millions living in isolated areas.

The satellites will also enable the broadcast of television and radio signals across the three countries.

7. Addressing natural disasters: Beyond military applications, the satellites will help the three countries respond more effectively to natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and fires.

Mali’s Finance Minister said that this technology would provide critical real-time data to monitor and manage natural disasters, improving disaster preparedness and response strategies across the Sahel region.