Burkina Faso Seeks Closer Ties with Russia

Burkina Faso's Prime Minister, Apollinaire J. Kyelem de Tambela, recently visited Moscow to strengthen military ties and express interest in joining the Russia-led BRICS group. During talks with Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, they discussed expanding cooperation amid Burkina Faso's pivot to Russia following a military coup in 2022. Despite a decrease in arms exports to Africa, Russia remains a significant supplier and has signed military agreements with 40 African nations. The prime minister emphasized a desire to diversify relations beyond military support, seeking economic and cultural partnerships as well. Burkina Faso's leadership has expressed dissatisfaction with Western alliances, prompting this strategic shift towards Russia. The visit coincided with the Burkina Faso Economic Days Forum, designed to attract Russian investment in the country.