Niger Signs Deal With Russian Firm To Acquire 3 Satellites To Boost Sahel Security

Niger has signed a memorandum of understanding with Glavkosmos, a subsidiary of Russia’s state-owned Roscosmos, to acquire three satellites aimed at enhancing security across Niger and its neighbouring Sahel states, Mali and Burkina Faso.

According to Nigerien state media, the agreement was formalised in Niamey by Niger’s Minister of Communication, Posts, and Digital Economy, Sidi Mohamed Raliou.

Under the deal, Niger will receive a communications satellite, a remote sensing satellite, and a radar satellite.

Raliou said the project would span four years. However, to meet immediate security needs, Glavkosmos has committed to leasing similar satellite equipment to Niger and its partners until the new satellites are operational.

Raliou also stated that a satellite command centre is proposed to be located in one of the AES countries, with each nation hosting its secondary reception and transmission centres.

“This project is integral to the sovereignty of our countries,” he said, adding that the agreement includes training for personnel who will operate the equipment.

Once the project is completed and local specialists trained, Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso—members of the Alliance of Sahel States—will gain the capability to operate the satellites independently.

This development follows a meeting held in Mali’s capital, Bamako, in September, after which Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso announced a deal with Russia to acquire at least two surveillance satellites and telecoms to defend their countries against security threats.

It also follows a similar agreement between Mali and Glavkosmos in November 2023, which allows Mali to use Russian satellite technology for enhanced telecommunications and internet coverage across its territory.

The deal comes as Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso face attacks from groups linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIS.

The Sahel states, all ruled by the military, have sought closer ties with Russia in defence and economic matters, moving away from their former ally, France, after it grossly failed to help combat the growing insecurity despite deploying troops and establishing military bases in the regions.

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