Russia has reopened its embassy in Burkina Faso, according to officials. The embassy had been closed for over 30 years.
Burkina Faso, which was once a close ally of France, has shifted its allegiance towards Russia since a military coup took place in 2022. As a result, the junta expelled French diplomats and closed France’s military base in the country.
Meanwhile, Burkina Faso has been strengthening its military and diplomatic ties with Russia.
France has condemned the coups in Burkina Faso, as well as in neighboring Mali and Niger. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the embassy’s reopening during the Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg in July.
The embassy closed in 1992 when Moscow decreased its engagement in Africa after the Cold War and the Soviet Union’s collapse.
According to Russia’s state-owned news agency Tass, the embassy was reopened in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, during a ceremony.
The head of the mission has not been named by Russia yet.
Alexei Saltykov, Russia’s ambassador to Ivory Coast, stated that he would lead the embassy until President Putin appoints someone, as reported by AFP news agency.
He described the West African country as a long-standing partner with whom we have strong and friendly connections.
Under Mr Putin’s leadership, Russia has made significant efforts in recent years to regain influence in Africa. Last month, Burkina Faso’s Defense Minister, Col Kassoum Coulibaly, held discussions with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Shoigu, in Moscow.
The meeting between military officials from both countries is the latest in a series. Col Coulibaly stated that the talks have now entered a practical phase as Burkina Faso’s army works to enhance its capabilities.
Burkina Faso, along with Mali and Niger, has been engaged in combatting an Islamist insurgency.
The Malian junta has enlisted the assistance of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group to combat the militants, while simultaneously expelling French troops.
The junta in Burkina Faso has refuted claims made by Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo last year, asserting that it has also brought in Wagner.
Additionally, Burkina Faso has signed an agreement with Russia in July to construct a nuclear power plant, aiming to enhance its energy supply.
Currently, less than a quarter of the country’s population has access to electricity. Furthermore, Russia recently dispatched a team of doctors to aid Burkina Faso in managing deadly outbreaks of dengue fever and chikungunya.
