By Stephen Paul
Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger turn to Russia to build the Sahel’s first shared telecom satellite.
The discussions happen in Ouagadougou between Russia’s ambassador, Igor Martynov, and Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister, Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo.
The representatives talk about wider cooperation in space exploration and the use of Russian space technologies for economic and security purposes. This shows that the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) wants to use satellite technology to improve governance and infrastructure.
Cosmonaut Alexandre Gorbounov attends the meeting, which highlights the symbolic importance of the space dialogue for the Sahel bloc.
The satellite talks continue from earlier agreements between Russia and AES countries to develop space capabilities.
In September 2024, ministers from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso meet with Russia’s aerospace agency Roscosmos. They discuss joint satellite projects, including telecommunications and remote sensing satellites. These projects aim to expand broadband internet, secure encrypted communications, and improve surveillance across the vast and underserved Sahel region.
The projects are created to strengthen both civilian services and national security capacities.
For the Alliance of Sahel States, working together on satellite technology means more than just improving communications. It is part of a larger effort to achieve sovereignty and technological independence.
AES leaders clearly state their goal of reducing dependence on outside powers and building regional strength in security, infrastructure, and digital connectivity.
The satellite project will provide internet, mobile phone services, and broadcasting in remote areas where traditional infrastructure is missing. Remote sensing technology will also help with border monitoring and disaster response across the Sahel’s wide terrain.
For Russia, stronger cooperation with AES supports long-term strategic interests in the region. Moscow is the first country to formally recognise the Alliance of Sahel States, showing shared political positions and a commitment to partnership in security and diplomacy.
Russia’s involvement with AES also reflects its wider shift toward Africa, especially as Western influence declines after the withdrawal of French and other Western forces from the Sahel in recent years.
If the AES communications satellite becomes a reality, it will mark a symbolic step in technological cooperation and show a deeper geo-strategic alignment between Moscow and this rising West African bloc.
