Russia is set to broaden its military footprint in West Africa, a region it has long targeted to strengthen its strategic connections. This year, the Kremlin has already replaced U.S. forces in Niger, and now it plans to increase its military presence in Burkina Faso.
During a visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to Burkina Faso, a decision was made to expand the number of Russian military instructors in the country. “Russian instructors work here and their number will increase,” Lavrov announced at a news conference in Ouagadougou. He also noted that Russia is training members of Burkina Faso’s armed forces and security personnel within its borders.
This move marks another step in Russia’s broader strategy to assert its military presence in Africa. In May, following a diplomatic fallout between Niger and the United States that led to the expulsion of 1,000 U.S. troops, Russian forces swiftly moved into Niger, taking over Air Base 101 near Niamey’s Diori Hamani International Airport. Niger’s Prime Minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, later revealed that U.S. officials had tried to control Niger’s international partnerships and were opaque about their military’s role in the country.
The tensions between Niger and the U.S. created an opening for Russia to enhance its military ties in the region. Additionally, in May, São Tomé and Príncipe in Central Africa also forged a military partnership with Russia. The agreement covers joint troop training, armed forces recruitment, the use of weapons and military equipment, logistics, and the exchange of expertise in combating extremism and international terrorism, among other areas.
With these developments, Russia continues to solidify its influence in West Africa, positioning itself as a key military partner amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.