The military-led governments of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali are turning to Russia to bolster their fight against terrorism. These West African nations, facing a surge in extremist activity, are seeking advanced telecoms technology and remote-sensing satellites from Russia.
On Monday, ministers from the three countries met with representatives from Russia’s aerospace agency, Roscosmos, in Mali’s capital, Bamako, to hash out implementation details, according to the BBC. Mali’s Finance Minister, Alousséni Sanou, explained that the Russian technology would be vital for border surveillance and overall security efforts.
The nations, which formed the Alliance of Sahel States last year, initially aimed to strengthen military cooperation but have since expanded their focus. In light of an escalating wave of militant attacks—such as the recent strike on an airport in Bamako—the remote-sensing satellite project is being heralded as a key tool for their defense strategy.
This collaboration marks a significant step in these countries’ fight to secure their borders and protect their citizens from terrorist threats.
