Somali Magazine –
Burkina Faso’s military-backed president has stated that Russian troops may be deployed to fight Islamists in the West African country if necessary.
In an interview, Ibrahim Traore stated that Russia was providing logistical and tactical training and was willing to supply any weaponry Burkina Faso required.
In contrast to other countries, Mr Traore stated that there are no restrictions on what can be purchased from Russia, China, Turkey, or Iran.
His remarks come as claims circulate that 100 Russian fighters were sent to the African country last week as military instructors.
The development also reinforces concern that Burkina Faso may strengthen its security relations with Russia, similar to neighbouring Mali, where Russian Wagner mercenaries operate.
The junta-led country’s relations with Moscow have been under scrutiny since it kicked out French troops in early 2023.
Burkina Faso has been fighting Islamist groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State, which have seized vast tracts of land and displaced millions of people in the Sahel region.