Written By Lisa Murimi
Russia is set to withdraw 100 paramilitary officers from Burkina Faso to reinforce its military efforts in Ukraine.
These officers, part of the Bear Brigade—a Russian private military company—had been deployed to Burkina Faso in May to support the country’s military junta under interim President Capt Ibrahim Traoré.
The withdrawal comes as Russia faces increased pressure from Ukraine’s recent offensive in the Kursk region.
The departure of these forces has raised concerns about the potential impact on Burkina Faso’s security.
The country has been plagued by jihadist attacks since 2015, with over two million people displaced in what is considered one of the world’s most neglected crises.
Just days ago, up to 300 people were killed in the northern town of Barsalogho by an al-Qaeda-linked group, Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM).
The Bear Brigade had been instrumental in guarding key Burkinabè officials, including President Traoré, whose leadership has been under threat.
Their sudden exit, only three months after their arrival, leaves Burkina Faso’s military junta facing heightened challenges in its fight against Islamist insurgents, as nearly half of the country remains outside government control.
The withdrawal underscores the shifting dynamics of Russia’s involvement in West Africa, as the war in Ukraine continues to strain its global military commitments.
