Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso announced agreements with Russia to acquire communications and surveillance satellites.
Three West African countries run by military governments have long struggled to quell Islamic insurgency and have turned to Russia for military assistance.
Russia denies that its mercenaries commit atrocities against civilians or spread propaganda and misinformation in West Africa’s Sahel region.
Ministers from the three countries met with officials from Russia’s aerospace agency Roscosmos in Mali’s capital Bamako on Monday to discuss the agreement.
Mali’s Finance Minister Arseni Sanu said the technology will strengthen border surveillance and national security for all three countries, adding that it will enable secure communications.
Islamic militants roam across the three countries’ long and porous borders in the vast semi-arid Sahel region south of the Sahara desert.
Sanou also said satellites can help monitor and respond to floods, droughts, fires and other emergencies.
Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso formed the Alliance of Sahel States last year. Initially, the purpose was to strengthen military cooperation, but it has since expanded.
Days after Islamic militants attacked Bamako’s airport, they hailed the remote sensing satellite project as crucial to their national security strategy, far from areas where Islamic extremists typically launch attacks. did.
Ministers said communications satellites would facilitate the broadcasting of television and radio signals between the three countries.
It is also expected to provide internet and telephone services to hard-to-reach, undeveloped areas of the Sahel.
Russia has sought to expand its influence in Africa, particularly in the Sahel region, since the breakdown of relations with African countries and Western allies.
Despite the use of Russian weapons and mercenaries, the security situation in the region remains dire.
