Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traore has called for stronger military and scientific cooperation with Russia during a visit to Moscow.
Meeting with President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin, Traore praised Russia’s resilience in the face of international sanctions, noting that it remains a powerful force on the global stage. He highlighted the modernisation of the Russian military, noting that it serves as a model for his own country.
Burkina Faso, under Traore’s leadership following a 2022 coup, has distanced itself from former colonial power France and pivoted towards Russia for military support. While Traore refrained from requesting direct military aid, he expressed interest in Russia’s expertise, particularly in educating Burkina Faso’s youth and addressing the ongoing jihadist insurgency.
Traore emphasised that his country has ongoing projects with Russia’s defence ministry, although he offered no further specifics.
Putin, acknowledging the shared goal of combating terrorism, assured that Russia would continue supporting Burkina Faso. He reiterated Russia’s commitment to assisting in the fight against radical groups and in training security personnel.
As Russia’s foreign policy shifts towards Africa amidst severe sanctions from the West, the Kremlin seeks to deepen its influence in the region, offering military and economic partnerships to nations like Burkina Faso.