Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore, has praised the country’s growing cooperation with Russia, stating that it better suits the nation’s needs than its previous historical ties with France. Speaking at the Russia-Africa summit in Sochi on Saturday, Traore emphasised that Russia’s support, particularly in terms of military assistance, is a more fitting partnership for Burkina Faso’s current situation.
Since a military coup in 2022, Burkina Faso’s new leadership has distanced itself from France, its former colonial power, and turned to Russia for support in combating a growing insurgency. Moscow has responded by sending military instructors to help train Burkinabe forces in their fight against jihadist groups operating in the Sahel region.
The shift in Burkina Faso’s foreign policy is part of a broader trend in Africa, where several nations are seeking to strengthen ties with Russia, partly in response to dissatisfaction with Western influence. Traore defended the growing partnership with Russia, claiming it was a better fit for Burkina Faso’s needs. He told AFP, ‘The offer which has been made through cooperation with Russia, is better suited to the people of Burkina Faso.’
Despite concerns that the country may become too dependent on Moscow, Traore dismissed these fears, asserting that Burkina Faso is clear about its goals and knows exactly how it wants to work with its new partners. ‘There is no room for fear, because we know what we want and where we want to go,’ he added.
Russia’s involvement in Africa has expanded in recent years, with Moscow seeking to enhance its diplomatic, political, and economic influence on the continent. This shift comes as Russia faces international isolation due to its ongoing military actions in Ukraine. By positioning itself as a counterbalance to Western influence, Moscow’s narrative of opposing neocolonialism resonates with many African leaders, including those in Burkina Faso.
Moscow has provided military assistance to several African nations, including the Central African Republic and Mali, where it has sent instructors to help train local forces combating insurgents. Burkina Faso has become another key recipient of this support, with Russian military personnel offering expertise in counterinsurgency operations.
Burkina Faso’s decision to embrace Russia marks a significant break from its colonial past. Once a French colony, the country’s relationship with Paris has deteriorated since the 2022 coup, which ousted the democratically elected government. The coup leaders, who have since taken power, have expressed their frustration with France’s handling of security issues in the region and have called for an end to French military presence in Burkina Faso.
This change in alliances reflects broader dissatisfaction across the Sahel with former colonial powers, particularly in the context of ongoing security challenges and the growing influence of jihadist groups. Many African nations are turning to alternative partners, such as Russia and China, for security and economic support.
While the shift towards Russia is a notable departure from Burkina Faso’s past, Traore’s comments reflect a confidence in the new partnership. He insists that the country is in control of its own future and is not worried about becoming too reliant on Russia. Instead, he views the partnership as mutually beneficial, offering Burkina Faso the support it needs to tackle its internal security issues and pave the way for economic development.
As Burkina Faso continues to solidify its relationship with Russia, the country’s foreign policy trajectory will be closely watched by both African and Western nations. Whether this alliance will prove successful in addressing Burkina Faso’s security challenges remains to be seen, but the minister’s words suggest that the new leadership is determined to chart an independent course free from the influence of former colonial powers.
Credit: AFP
