Thursday February 1, 2024
Ibrahim Traore says Russia is offering military training to Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso's military-backed president has said Russian troops could deploy to fight jihadists in the West African country, if needed.
In an interview, Ibrahim Traore said Russia was offering logistical and tactical training and was willing to sell whatever weapons were required by Burkina Faso.
Mr Traore said there were no restrictions on what could be bought from Russia, China, Turkey or Iran, unlike other countries.
His comments come amid reports that some 100 Russian fighters were last week sent to the African country as military instructors.
The development also fuels speculation of Burkina Faso deepening security ties with Russia like neighbouring Mali, where Russian Wagner mercenaries operate.
The junta-led country's relations with Moscow have been in the spotlight since it booted out French troops in early 2023.
Burkina Faso has been battling Islamist groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State, which have taken over large swathes of land and displaced millions of people in the wider Sahel region.