Burkina Faso – Russia / Cooperation: A strategic partnership in the fight against terrorism
The security dynamic in Burkina Faso is undergoing a major shift thanks to the strengthening of the partnership with the Russian Federation. The recent visit of the Burkinabe Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, to Moscow, from February 12 to 14, 2026, made it possible to consolidate cooperation that is already yielding results on the ground in the fight against terrorist armed groups.
The figures speak for themselves. According to statements by the head of Burkinabe diplomacy, no less than 74% of the national territory, previously under the influence of armed groups, has been recaptured thanks to the combination of ongoing military reforms and the expertise of Russian instructors.
This spectacular progress demonstrates the effectiveness of a cooperation that places the fight against terrorism at the heart of bilateral priorities.
During the talks, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed that cooperation in the military and military-technical spheres, the fight against terrorism, and other threats remain an absolute priority for Moscow.
This determination translates into concrete technical support for the Burkinabe Defense and Security Forces.
The February 2026 visit was marked by the signing of a historic agreement on the “fundamentals of relations” between the two countries.
This document, described as historic by the head of Burkinabe diplomacy, replaces the previous framework governing bilateral relations and now clearly defines priority sectors of cooperation as well as a common working approach.
Several other instruments were signed, including an agreement establishing an Intergovernmental Commission, a memorandum of understanding on research, and another on higher education.
Lavrov praised a solid, pragmatic, and exemplary cooperation, emphasizing that the way the armed forces of the two countries work together constitutes a model for others.
Beyond the security aspect, cooperation extends to international bodies, particularly at the United Nations, where the positions of the two countries are closely coordinated. The Russia-Alliance of Sahel States (AES) format, of which Burkina Faso holds the presidency this year, now constitutes a privileged framework for deepening this regional dynamic.
Faced with what they describe as a war of information waged by the West against states pursuing a sovereign policy, the two countries have decided to strengthen their coordination in the media space.
Russian media outlets are already active and widely followed in Burkina Faso and neighboring countries.
This collaboration aims to counter what both parties consider to be disinformation campaigns seeking to obscure the security and economic progress made in the region.
Maurice K.ZONGO
