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OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso — Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, committed to bolstering Burkina Faso’s fight against militant groups during his whirlwind tour of West Africa. Lavrov's visit to Burkina Faso follows stops in Guinea and the Republic of Congo, as Russia aims to fill the vacuum left by traditional Western partners.
Military Assistance and Training
“Russian instructors have been working here and their number will increase,” Lavrov stated at a news conference in Ouagadougou. He emphasized Russia's role in training Burkina Faso’s military and law enforcement personnel. “We have supplied and will continue to supply military equipment to help strengthen Burkina Faso’s defense capability and eliminate the remaining terrorist groups.”
Lavrov also praised Burkina Faso’s “objective and fair” position on the war in Ukraine, adding, “We are ready to provide our support for the just cause of Africans who are trying to free themselves from neo-colonial influence.”
Context of Increasing Instability
Burkina Faso, with a population of 20 million, has faced severe violence over the past eight years from extremist groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State. The country experienced two coups in ten months last year, resulting in a military junta that ousted French forces and turned to Russia for security support. Despite these measures, the junta has struggled to manage the ongoing security and humanitarian crises.
Humanitarian Crisis
The Norwegian Refugee Council has identified Burkina Faso as the world’s most neglected crisis for the second year in a row. In 2024, a record 6.3 million people will require humanitarian assistance, with many on the brink of starvation. Approximately 2 million people are internally displaced, 60% of whom are children. Resources to aid these individuals are scarce, and many have been traumatized by the persistent violence.
Russia’s Strategic Engagement
Lavrov’s tour of West Africa is part of Russia’s broader strategy to strengthen ties in the region amid its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Many African nations have expressed frustration with their traditional Western partners and are seeking alternative alliances.
By pledging increased support to Burkina Faso, Lavrov underscores Russia’s intent to position itself as a key ally for African nations navigating complex geopolitical landscapes.
