\n Among those present was the cosmonaut Alexandre Gorbounov, further highlighting the symbolic importance of the space dialogue for the Sahel bloc.\n <\/p>\n
\n The satellite talks build on earlier agreements between Russia and AES countries to develop space capabilities.\n <\/p>\n
\n In September 2024, ministers from Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso met with Russia\u2019s aerospace agency Roscosmos to pursue joint satellite projects, including telecommunications and remote sensing satellites intended to expand broadband internet access, secure encrypted communications, and improve surveillance of vast, under-served territories in the Sahel.<\/a>\n <\/p>\n \n The projects are designed to enhance both civilian and national security capacities.\n <\/p>\n Strategic gains for the AES and Russia\u2019s expanding role<\/p>\n \n For the Alliance of Sahel States, jointly pursuing satellite technology represents more than a communications upgrade; it is part of a broader push for sovereignty and technological independence.\n <\/p>\n \n The satellite initiative would provide internet, mobile phone services and broadcasting in remote areas where traditional infrastructure is lacking, while remote sensing technology could support border monitoring and disaster response across the Sahel\u2019s vast terrain.\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n