President Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso has expressed a strong desire to exponentially develop relations with Russia. During a meeting at the Kremlin, Traoré emphasized the need for new forms of cooperation, signaling a departure from traditional Western alliances.
“We would like cooperation between us to develop exponentially and take on new forms,” Traoré stated during his discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, According to RIA.
Since the military coup in 2022, Burkina Faso has been realigning its foreign policy, distancing itself from former colonial power France and seeking new partnerships. The reopening of the Russian embassy in Ouagadougou after more than three decades signifies this shift.
The alliance between Burkina Faso and Russia has been further solidified through various forms of cooperation:
- Military Collaboration: Russia has pledged military support to Burkina Faso, including the deployment of instructors and the provision of advanced weaponry to combat jihadist insurgencies.
- Energy Initiatives: Discussions are underway for Russia to assist in establishing a nuclear power plant in Burkina Faso, aiming to address the country’s energy deficits and support regional electricity needs.
- Humanitarian Aid: Russia has delivered 25,000 tonnes of free wheat to Burkina Faso, a gesture described by a Burkinabe minister as a “priceless gift.”
Formation of the Alliance of Sahel States
Burkina Faso, along with Mali and Niger, has formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a confederation established in July 2024. This alliance aims to pool resources for infrastructure development, establish a common market, and implement a monetary union, among other objectives.
The AES has also taken a firm stance against neocolonialism, downgrading the status of the French language and renaming colonial street names. The confederation has expressed strong opposition to Western policies and has sought to replace Western military forces with Russian mercenaries, specifically the Wagner Group.
The burgeoning relationship between Burkina Faso and Russia marks a new chapter in the geopolitical landscape of West Africa. As Burkina Faso continues to seek alternatives to Western partnerships, its alliance with Russia could serve as a model for other nations in the region exploring similar realignments.
This strategic partnership underscores a broader trend of African nations reassessing their foreign alliances, with Russia positioning itself as a key player in the continent’s future.
