Burkina Faso has welcomed a significant gesture of goodwill from Russia, receiving 25,000 tonnes of free wheat, as confirmed by a minister on Friday....CONTINUE READING
This generous delivery is being hailed as a “priceless gift,” strengthening the growing ties between Moscow and Ouagadougou. The relationship has seen positive developments since the military coup unfolded in 2022, with Russia even reopening its embassy in Burkina Faso last month.
This benevolent act from Russia comes at a crucial time for Burkina Faso, which is grappling with numerous challenges, including a severe humanitarian crisis. The nation has distanced itself from former colonial power France and is navigating a complex security landscape marked by a persistent Islamist insurgency, leading to mass displacement and closed schools due to safety concerns.
Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, expressed gratitude for the wheat consignment, emphasizing its role in pushing the nation toward self-sufficiency in food production. This is a crucial step as Burkina Faso addresses acute food shortages, with more than three million people facing such conditions.
Despite initial optimism following the military coups two years ago, which some citizens hoped would bring an end to violence and upheaval, the junta has struggled to fulfill promises to tackle Islamist militants. Large parts of the country remain under militant control, underscoring the ongoing security crisis.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had pledged this wheat gift during a summit in St Petersburg last year. Burkina Faso sees this as an opportunity to enhance its production capacity and reduce dependence on foreign food supplies. Nandy Some Diallo, Burkina Faso’s minister for solidarity and humanitarian action, expressed delight at the invaluable nature of this grain delivery, particularly highlighting its impact on internally displaced and vulnerable populations.
While economic ties between Burkina Faso and Russia have been expanding, including a deal for a nuclear power plant, recent reports of Russian troops arriving in Burkina Faso have raised eyebrows. Additionally, there’s been a surge in Russian-sponsored disinformation, complicating the geopolitical landscape. As Burkina Faso, rich in gold and minerals, navigates these complexities, it has consistently denied allegations of paying Russian mercenaries with mining rights.
