Burkina Faso: Russia to Provide More Military Aid, Instructors
Burkina Faso: Russia to Provide More Military Aid, Instructors
The Facts
On his latest Africa tour Russia’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday pledged more military support to Burkina Faso in fighting jihadist groups operating in the country.
Lavrov announced that the number of "Russian instructors" in the West African country will increase and that Moscow will continue to supply military equipment "to eliminate the remaining terrorist groups."
The Spin
Lavrov's Africa tour highlights the growing strategic relevance Russia attaches to Africa and its growing popularity on the continent. Moscow is building on its anti-imperialist legacy and positions itself as a credible partner unlike the West and its neo-colonialist and imperialist policies. This Mutual trust creates a win-win situation with Moscow consolidating its position in the international arena while African countries gain a partner respecting their national sovereignty.
ThereRussia's increasing commitment to Africa is aprimarily 40%due chanceto its growing international isolation following its Ukraine invasion. For years, the US warned that BurkinaRussia Fasois willaggressively experienceseeking ato civilexpand warits beforeinfluence 2036in Africa - without achieving any tangible success in combating Islamist terror. Moscow presents itself as an advocate for poor African countries, accordingbut tois merely pursuing the Metaculusgoal predictionof communitysecuring the loyalty of authoritarian regimes at the expense of the West.
