In the capital city of Ouagadougou on the previous Thursday, Burkina Faso welcomed a Russian envoy for a critical discussion centered around the prospect of bolstering military ties with Russia, an announcement from Burkina Faso’s government confirmed.

The discussions, chaired by interim President Ibrahim Traore and the Russian Deputy Defense Minister, Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, serve as a continuation of the dialogue initiated at the Russia-Africa summit in July, held in St. Petersburg. The contemplation of an enhanced military partnership comes on the heels of Burkina Faso’s decision to dispense with the presence of French military forces earlier in the year, a development that has shifted the country’s geopolitical alignments.

Amidst the backdrop of increased interest from Russian forces in Africa, particularly in neighboring Mali with the engagement of the Russian Wagner Group, the conference explored various facets of potential cooperation. These discussions covered a range of military interests, notably the education and training of Burkinabe military personnel, with an emphasis on high-level officer training and pilot preparation on Russian soil.

Although the specifics regarding the deployment of Russian military instructors to Burkina Faso have not been disclosed, this meeting signals Russia’s strategic intent to consolidate its presence and influence within Africa. The encounter comes at a critical juncture, notably following the demise of Yevgeny Prigozhin, a mercenary leader whose Wagner Group has expanded its web of influence throughout several African nations.

This move could indicate Moscow’s endeavor to reaffirm and expand its foothold on the African continent amidst the evolving international and regional defense landscape.

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