IRIA News

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Niger signed a major agreement with Glavkosmos, a subsidiary of Russia’s space agency Roscosmos, to purchase and deploy three specialized satellites aimed at bolstering communications, remote sensing, and radar capabilities in the West African country and its neighboring states, Burkina Faso and Mali.

The Sahel region has long been a flashpoint for terrorism, with conflict spreading from northern Mali in 2012 and continuing across the borders into Niger and Burkina Faso. All three countries have faced escalating security challenges in recent years, with jihadist groups targeting both military and civilian populations, leading to widespread displacement, economic strain, and growing concerns over regional stability.

The new satellite technology aims to address these critical security issues by enhancing surveillance and communication among the countries’ security forces. Nigerien Communications Minister Sidi Mohamed Raliou, present at the signing ceremony, stated that the satellite program will allow for increased national and regional control over essential communications infrastructure.

“This very important project falls within the framework of the sovereignty of our countries,” Raliou remarked. He emphasized the empowerment aspect of the project, stating, “At the end of this project, the three countries will be able to pilot their communication satellites themselves and manage them as they wish.”

The agreement covers the development of three satellites: a communications satellite, a remote-sensing satellite, and a radar satellite. According to Raliou, these satellites will take an estimated four years to manufacture in Russia.

The planned satellite constellation will not only allow Niger and its allies to improve their own communication infrastructure but also boost intelligence capabilities in regions prone to insurgent activity. This will significantly enhance their ability to detect and respond to threats more rapidly and efficiently.

The Sahel cooperation

Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have all undergone political upheaval in recent years, with each country experiencing a military coup since 2020. The change in leadership has led to a reorientation of alliances, as the new regimes have chosen to distance themselves from France, a long-standing partner in regional security through its Operation Barkhane and other initiatives aimed at countering Islamist insurgencies in the Sahel.

In September 2023, the three nations formally united under a new regional bloc called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The establishment of AES has not only marked a pivot away from France but also signals an increasing closeness to Russia, with which these nations are now seeking closer military and strategic ties. This partnership with Glavkosmos reinforces the perception of a growing alliance with Russia, with all three nations looking to Moscow for support in their ongoing security struggles.

State radio in Niger reported that, until the satellites are ready, Glavkosmos has agreed to loan similar equipment to meet immediate operational needs. This interim solution will provide these countries with an early boost in their communication and intelligence capacities, allowing them to start benefiting from enhanced technological capabilities even before the final products are launched.

The Glavkosmos deal is part of a larger geopolitical trend in which Russia has steadily increased its influence across Africa. This shift, while controversial on the global stage, has received support from the military governments in the Sahel region, who view Russia as a partner in their struggle to reassert autonomy and stabilize their countries amidst external pressures.

Russia’s increasing role in the Sahel also reflects its broader strategy to gain influence in Africa as a counterbalance to Western presence on the continent. By providing military and technological assistance, Russia aims to position itself as a reliable ally to these countries in a complex and rapidly evolving security landscape.

The United Nations, the African Union, and other international entities have expressed concerns about the long-term effects of this re-alignment. Western nations, particularly France, have also raised alarms about the effectiveness and motivations behind Russia’s involvement in a region that has been a critical part of their foreign policy focus. However, the leaders of the Sahel states argue that partnerships with Russia are essential to reclaiming sovereignty and ensuring that their countries’ security needs are adequately met.

Broader implications and regional security

The satellite program holds the potential to significantly alter the security and intelligence capabilities of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Remote sensing and radar capabilities are highly valuable in tracking and monitoring insurgent activity across vast, often inaccessible territories that have historically been difficult to police. Improved communication infrastructure will also allow these countries to coordinate operations and share intelligence more effectively, providing a unified front against the jihadist threat.

In addition, this deal represents a significant move toward independence in managing their defense infrastructure, a priority emphasized by Minister Raliou. “At the end of this project,” he said, “the three countries will be able to pilot their communication satellites themselves and manage them as they wish.” This level of control, previously limited by dependency on Western aid and support, is being presented as a vital aspect of national and regional sovereignty.

As the AES alliance strengthens its operational capabilities with Russian support, the Sahel region may see a shift in its approach to addressing insurgent violence and broader geopolitical issues that have long complicated international relations in West Africa.