A memorandum of understanding establishing a framework for cooperation in the use of satellites in various fields was signed between the Malian delegation led by Minister of Economy and Finance Alhousseini Sanou, and Glavcosmos, a subsidiary of the Russian space agency Roscosmos.
This agreement allows Mali to utilize a Russian satellite to better cover its territory. The satellite will be used in several domains, particularly in the area of telephone communication and Internet technologies.
Moreover, Bamako plans to use satellite imagery to better control the full extent of the national territory, according to local media.
One of the benefits of the satellite is that it will provide a clear picture of human impact on the environment and also help leaders better locate and detect terrorist groups.
Capture of Kidal
The signing of the agreement comes days after the Malian army retook the town of Kidal. The town has been the epicenter of an uprising by Tuareg rebels seeking an independent state.
On November 9, the army launched a ground operation to retake the last towns in the Kidal region. On Tuesday, the Malian army returned to the town of Kidal for the first time in 11 years.
On November 18, the Minister of Reconciliation, Peace and National Cohesion, Colonel Ismael Wague, invited the population of Kidal who have left the city "for fear of the consequences of possible confrontations between the FAMa [Malian Army] and terrorist groups, to return there."