Russia, Sahel Alliance Deepen Space Cooperation Talks in Burkina Faso
Ouagadougo Russia and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) took further steps toward deepening strategic cooperation in space technology following high-level discussions held in Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou.
The talks took place during a meeting between Russia’s ambassador to Burkina Faso, Igor Martynov, and the country’s Prime Minister, Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo, according to Sputnik Africa. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in space exploration and the application of Russian space technologies for economic development and security purposes.
Officials explored the potential use of satellite technology to strengthen governance, improve infrastructure, and enhance security coordination across AES member states — Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Analysts say such capabilities could help the bloc boost broadband internet access, improve surveillance, and secure encrypted communications in a region grappling with security and development challenges.
The meeting was attended by Russian cosmonaut Alexandre Gorbounov, underscoring the symbolic and strategic weight Moscow is attaching to space cooperation with the Sahel bloc.
The latest talks build on earlier agreements between Russia and AES countries aimed at developing indigenous space capabilities. In September 2024, ministers from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso met officials from Russia’s aerospace agency, Roscosmos, to advance plans for joint satellite projects. Those discussions centered on telecommunications and remote-sensing satellites designed to expand digital connectivity and support national security operations.
If realized, an AES-owned communications satellite would represent a significant technological milestone for the bloc and signal a deepening geo-strategic alignment between Moscow and the emerging West African alliance.
Observers note that the move would further diversify the region’s international partnerships as Sahel states continue to redefine their political and security relationships.
