During a visit to Moscow on Saturday, Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traore advocated for closer military and scientific cooperation with Russia.
The leader of the African nation’s military government met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin. This meeting occurred a day after both leaders attended the Red Square parade alongside other international figures.
“Despite all the sanctions, Russia manages… to remain at the forefront of the international stage. It’s a lesson for all of us,” Traore stated, while also commending the Russian army’s “modernised” equipment.
Traore mentioned that Burkina Faso has “many projects with the Russian defence ministry,” though he did not elaborate on the specifics of these projects.
Since Traore assumed power in a coup in September 2022, Burkina Faso has shifted its foreign policy away from its former colonial power, France, and has been forging closer ties with Russia.
Russia has been subject to significant sanctions following its military actions in Ukraine in 2022. In response, Russia has been implementing a notable shift in its foreign policy, including strengthening its relationships with African nations.
Traore clarified that he would not be requesting military aid from Moscow at a time when Russian forces are actively involved in Ukraine.
However, he suggested that Russia could share its “knowledge” and assist Burkina Faso in “educating its young population” and in resolving the ongoing conflict within the country, where security forces are currently fighting a jihadist insurgency.
President Putin assured Traore that Russia would “continue to assist” Burkina Faso in suppressing “radical groups” and in training its officials.
“We are united by the common goal of combating terrorism,” Putin emphasized, while also promoting stronger economic collaboration between the two nations.
