Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov met with Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister Apollinaire J. Kyelem de Tambela in Moscow on Tuesday to discuss the potential expansion of military ties between the two nations. This meeting reflects Russia’s interest in enhancing its military and economic presence in Africa amid increased competition with Western countries following the war in Ukraine.
The ongoing conflict has influenced Russia’s diplomatic strategies, prompting the country to seek partnerships in Africa. Following President Vladimir Putin’s decisive victory in the March presidential election, some African media outlets have indicated that his re-election may bolster the positions of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, which are currently under military governance.
Since a coup in 2022, Burkina Faso has been under military leadership. In June, Russia announced plans to send additional military supplies and instructors to support Burkina Faso’s defense capabilities and efforts to combat terrorism.
Although Russia’s investments in Africa remain limited, United Nations data indicates that it is the second-largest arms supplier to sub-Saharan Africa, despite a decline in arms exports in recent years. During the 2023 Russia-Africa Summit in St Petersburg, President Putin noted that Moscow had signed military-technical agreements with 40 African nations, suggesting potential growth in Russian arms sales on the continent.
Belousov highlighted the importance of the relationship between Russia and Burkina Faso, stating that “Russia-Burkina relations are based on mutual respect and consideration of each other’s interests, and they have gained positive dynamics in recent years,” in a statement shared via Telegram.
This meeting marks a notable step in the development of military cooperation as both nations navigate the complexities of regional and global geopolitical landscapes.
