Russia has officially reopened its embassy in Burkina Faso after more than 30 years of closure, signaling a shift in the West African nation’s diplomatic alliances. Burkina Faso, previously a close ally of former colonial power France, has recently turned towards Russia following a military coup in 2022.
This change in allegiance has resulted in the expulsion of French diplomats and the closure of France’s military base in the country. The decision to reopen the embassy was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg in July.
The closure of the embassy in 1992 was a consequence of Moscow reducing its involvement in Africa after the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union.
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The reopening ceremony took place in Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, as reported by Russia’s state-owned news agency Tass. However, the head of the mission has not been named yet.
In the interim, Russia’s ambassador to Ivory Coast, Alexei Saltykov, will assume the role until President Putin appoints a permanent head of the embassy.
Russia’s ambassador described Burkina Faso as “an old partner with whom we have solid and friendly ties.” Under President Putin’s leadership, Russia has been actively working to regain influence in Africa in recent years.
Military and diplomatic ties between Russia and Burkina Faso have been strengthening. Last month, Burkina Faso’s Defence Minister, Col Kassoum Coulibaly, held talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu in Moscow.
These discussions aimed to enhance Burkina Faso’s military capabilities as it combats an Islamist insurgency, along with Mali and Niger.
It is worth noting that Mali’s junta has enlisted the help of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group in its fight against militants and has expelled French troops. However, Burkina Faso’s junta has denied allegations, made by Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo last year, that it has also brought in Wagner.
Aside from military cooperation, Burkina Faso and Russia have signed a deal for the construction of a nuclear power plant to address the country’s energy needs. Currently, less than a quarter of Burkina Faso’s population has access to electricity.
This agreement reflects Russia’s commitment to supporting Burkina Faso’s development and infrastructure.
In addition to the nuclear power plant deal, Russia has also assisted Burkina Faso in combating deadly outbreaks of dengue fever and chikungunya. A team of Russian doctors was sent to help the country deal with these health crises.
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