Russia to Deploy Troops to Burkina Faso to Fight Jihadists

The Military-backed president of Burkina Faso has said troops from Russia could deploy to fight jihadists in the West African country if needed.

In an interview, Ibrahim Traore said Russia was offering logistical and tactical training and was willing to sell whatever weapons were required by Burkina Faso.

Mr. Traore said there were no restrictions on what could be bought from Russia, China, Turkey, or Iran, unlike other countries.

His comments come amid reports that some 100 Russian fighters were sent to the African country last week as military instructors.

The development also fuels speculation of Burkina Faso deepening security ties with Russia, like in neighboring Mali, where Russian Wagner mercenaries operate.

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The junta-led country’s relations with Moscow have been in the spotlight since it booted out French troops in early 2023.

Burkina Faso has been battling Islamist groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, which have taken over large swathes of land and displaced millions of people in the wider Sahel region.

However, France has faced growing resentment and criticism from the Sahelian countries, who have accused the G5 Sahel, a regional anti-jihadist coalition backed by France, of failing to make the region safer and of serving foreign interests.

Burkina Faso and Niger withdrew from the G5 Sahel last December and joined Mali in forming a new alliance of Sahel states that aims to enhance their security and development.

Russia, which has grown more isolated since its Ukraine offensive, has in recent months discussed greater military cooperation with Burkina Faso. Last November, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and his counterpart from Burkina Faso Kassoum Coulibaly met and agreed to strengthen defense ties.