Satellites will allow the AES to strengthen its defense and secure communications, Malian minister says

Earlier this week, the AES ministers announced the upcoming implementation of a satellite communication and remote sensing project, with Russian support.

Malian Minister of Economy Alousséni Sanou specified the advantages of the telecommunications satellite project in an interview with Sputnik Africa on the sidelines of the Russian Energy Week 2024 in Moscow.

He noted that the three member states of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) are predominantly agricultural countries, emphasizing the critical role of the satellite in extending internet access to remote areas, which is essential for fostering regional development and enhancing connectivity in underserved communities.

“People in remote areas need to communicate and connect with markets. So, this telecommunications satellite will allow us to ensure broader coverage of our territories in terms of communications, telecommunications, and internet access,” the minister explained.

Regarding the remote sensing satellite, Sanou noted its primary use for security purposes:

“We will be able to monitor all the borders and track population movements. In terms of internal security, this will let us have information about population movements, about everything we call climate change,” Alousséni Sanou noted.