The recent deployment of Russian military personnel to Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, marks a significant shift in the country's international relations, particularly with Moscow, following the expulsion of French troops in early 2023.
Reports indicate that the arrival of Russian servicemen in Burkina Faso may signal a deepening of security cooperation, mirroring developments in neighboring Mali, where Russian Wagner mercenaries are active. Images circulated by the African Initiative, a pro-Kremlin Russian news agency covering African affairs, depict men in army attire unloading equipment from an aircraft bearing the Russian flag.
The aircraft, identified as an Il-76, a staple in the Russian military fleet, highlights the tangible presence of Russian forces on Burkinabe soil. The deployment, reportedly consisting of 100 servicemen, is purportedly aimed at providing training to local forces and assisting in security operations, particularly in volatile regions.
While Reuters could not independently verify the authenticity of the images or the information provided, the deployment underscores Western concerns regarding Russia's expanding influence in the Sahel region. Recent political upheavals in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, resulting in Moscow-friendly regimes, have reshaped the dynamics of regional conflicts, notably against insurgent groups affiliated with Islamic State and Al Qaeda.
The visit of military leaders from Niger and Chad to Moscow in January suggests potential avenues for further cooperation between Russia and African nations. According to Reuters, the initial contingent of 100 servicemen, deployed to ensure the security of Burkina Faso's leadership and its people, may soon be supplemented by an additional 200 personnel, although the Russian defense ministry has yet to comment on the matter.