Breaking News

Russia To Sell Surveillance, Telecoms Satellites To Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso Military Regimes

Three West African countries, run by military juntas, have established a crucial deal with Russia to acquire telecoms and surveillance satellites, aiming to enhance national security amid ongoing challenges from Islamist insurgencies.

The ministers from Mali, Niger Republic, and Burkina Faso met with officials from Russia’s aerospace agency, Roscosmos, in Bamako on Monday to formalise the agreement, BBC reports.

Mali’s Finance Minister, Alousséni Sanou, stated that the technology will boost border surveillance and national security in all three countries, adding that it would enable secure communications.

He also indicated that the satellites would assist in monitoring and responding to floods, droughts, fires, and other emergencies.

The long, porous borders of the three nations are heavily patrolled by Islamist insurgents within the vast semi-arid Sahel region south of the Sahara Desert.

Sanou remarked that the remote-sensing satellite project is vital for their security strategy, especially following a recent attack by militants on an airport in Bamako, far from typical conflict zones.

Ministers have noted that the telecoms satellite will facilitate the broadcast of television and radio signals across Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. It is also anticipated to provide internet and telephone services in inaccessible and underdeveloped areas within the Sahel.

Since relations with their Western allies have deteriorated, Russia has sought to expand its influence in Africa, particularly in the Sahel region.

Despite the provision of Russian weapons and mercenaries, the security situation remains dire, with Russia denying accusations of atrocities against civilians and the dissemination of propaganda and misinformation in West Africa’s Sahel region.

In a summit held in Niamey, Niger’s capital in July, the leaders of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali signed a historic confederation treaty. The agreement strengthens the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a mutual defense pact established last year.

The signing marked a significant milestone, as it was the first joint summit between Niger’s General Abdourahmane Tchiani, Burkina Faso’s Captain Ibrahim Traore, and Mali’s Colonel Assimi Goita since they seized power in successive coups in their neighboring West African countries.

Notably, the treaty came just months after the three nations withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regional bloc in January, signaling a new era of cooperation and solidarity among the Sahel states.

TruetellsNigeria

Recent Posts

Customs Contribution Crucial for Actualising Proposed Nigeria’s ₦48 Trillion 2025 Budget – Finance Minister

  The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been commended for its pivotal role in boosting…

1 day ago

Police Arrest Popular TikToker For Insulting President Tinubu, Governor Sanwo-Olu, Police Chief Egbetokun

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have reportedly arrested a popular Nigerian TikToker, Seaking, for…

1 day ago

Tinubu’s Economic Policies Responsible For Over 100 Deaths In Stampedes Within One Week —Sowore

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore says the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu's administration have…

1 day ago

GOVERNOR SANWO-OLU DIRECTS LASTMA TO INTENSIFY NIGHT TRAFFIC MONITORING TO GUARANTEE UNHAMPERED NIGHT MOBILITY FOR RESIDENTS

  In a resolute bid to ensure unimpeded traffic flow throughout Lagos State before, during…

1 day ago

Data Engineering: A Lifeline for Businesses Amid Economic Uncertainty- Uchenna Ogbonna

      In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and unpredictable economic shifts,…

1 day ago

WITH GLO TVCS, IT’S FELIZ NAVIDAD, NIGERIANS

Celebratory seasons, such as Christmas and New Year, are times when corporate organisations churn out…

2 days ago