BURKINA FASO RECEIVES RUSSIAN EQUIPMENT

After more than a decade lost due to terrorism in the Sahel, Burkina Faso is turning the tide.

Burkina Faso President Ibrahim Traoré recently handed over Russian military equipment to his minister of defence, yet another step since the dismissal of France from the region, which stands accused of blocking weapon deliveries to Burkina Faso. The Russians, Traoré says, don’t hold France’s paternalistic attitude.

Despite years of a Western military presence, the Sahel only grew more—not less—insecure, raising questions about their true intent. That insecurity in the Sahel is a result of NATO’s invading Libya worsens matters. The Russians do not carry this baggage, and for the Burkinabé, gains by Burkina Faso’s military across towns like Djibo and Falagountou only inspire confidence.

Video credit: @burkina24