Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister, Apollinaire Kyelem de Tambela, recently made headlines during the Economic Days of Burkina Faso forum in Moscow. He shared his country’s decision to strengthen ties with Russia, citing dissatisfaction with past partnerships with Western nations, especially France.
At the opening of the four-day conference in Moscow, the prime minister explained why Burkina Faso is choosing a different route. “Our history of working with France and the West hasn’t made us happy,” he stated. “So, we decided to try something new. If we are looking for a partner now, it’s Russia.”
This statement marks a significant change in Burkina Faso’s foreign relations. The prime minister’s remarks reflect growing frustrations with Western involvement in the country. He and Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov discussed ways to boost security cooperation between the two nations. Burkina Faso has faced violent attacks from militants since 2015, which have caused immense suffering for both civilians and military personnel.
Belousov highlighted the importance of mutual respect in Russian-Burkina relations, saying they have been developing positively in recent years. The prime minister echoed this sentiment, expressing his happiness with the new relationship being built between Moscow and Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso’s capital.
This shift towards Russia isn’t isolated. Several African countries, including Mali and Niger, have been enhancing their ties with Russia too. This growing partnership raises eyebrows among Western nations like the United States and France, who have struggled to maintain influence in the Sahel region. Just last year, Burkina Faso’s transitional President, Ibrahim Traore, referred to Russia as a “strategic ally,” marking a clear departure from traditional Western partnerships after the expulsion of French troops.
In September of last year, Burkina Faso, along with Mali and Niger, formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to tackle the deadly jihadist violence plaguing the region for over a decade. These countries have been signing various agreements with Russia, including plans for Rosatom, a Russian company, to build solar power plants in Burkina Faso and Mali.
Interestingly, Prime Minister Tambela acknowledged the skepticism surrounding this new partnership. He mentioned that when they approached Russia, they were told it could only offer weapons. However, the prime minister decided to explore the relationship for themselves, expressing curiosity about what else Russia could provide.
As Burkina Faso embarks on this new journey, the world watches closely. The implications of this shift in alliances could reshape not just Burkina Faso’s future, but also the dynamics of power in the Sahel region and beyond.
