Russia has officially reopened its embassy in Burkina Faso after more than 30 years without a presence in the nation. The announcement was made by Alexey Saltykov, Russia’s ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso, in a statement provided to TASS, the state-owned news agency.
The reopening ceremony, attended by various dignitaries, including Prime Minister Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela and ministers from key sectors, signals a new chapter in the diplomatic relations between Russia and Burkina Faso. Saltykov emphasized that the size of the diplomatic mission in Burkina Faso would align with the average staffing levels of Russian embassies in West Africa, highlighting the importance of the renewed engagement.
The decision to reopen the embassy comes in the wake of comments made by Russian President Vladimir Putin in August. Putin intends to intensify cooperation with African countries across various domains, including politics, business, humanitarian efforts, culture, and tourism.
Russia had closed its embassy in Burkina Faso in 1992, as part of a broader reduction of its involvement in Africa following the end of the Cold War. The recent reopening follows a noticeable shift in Burkina Faso’s international alignment, particularly after a military coup in 2022 strained relations with France, its former colonial power, leading to a closer alignment with Russia.
France had condemned the coup in Burkina Faso and neighboring Mali and Niger Republic. In response, last week, France withdrew its troops from Niger and closed its embassy, officially severing ties with its former colony.
While Russia’s growing influence in Africa has garnered attention and criticism from foreign relations experts, Moscow sees its engagement as an opportunity to strengthen partnerships on the continent. However, the Kremlin has faced accusations of disinformation, election interference, support for coups, and engaging in arms-for-resources deals to expand its influence in Africa.
Some African leaders view Russia as a counterbalance to Western influence, validating their policies and pushing back against perceived interference. However, concerns have been raised about the potential implications of Moscow’s interventions in Africa on governance norms and security.