Russian paramilitary troops are leaving Burkina Faso during a time when the country is facing a worsening insurgency. According to the BBC, Russia is pulling out 100 of its paramilitary officers from Burkina Faso to assist in the war with Ukraine.
These soldiers, part of the Bear Brigade—a private Russian military group—came to Burkina Faso in May to support the military government. However, now they’re heading back to help defend Russia against Ukraine’s recent offensive in the Kursk region.
This withdrawal could worsen the situation in Burkina Faso, where Islamist insurgents have been causing chaos. Recently, up to 300 people were killed in one of the biggest attacks in years.
Since 2015, Burkina Faso has faced constant jihadist attacks, with over two million people displaced. Aid groups describe this crisis as one of the world’s most neglected, says the BBC.
The Bear Brigade had been protecting top officials, including the country’s interim president, Capt Ibrahim Traoré. Traoré, who came to power in a coup in 2022, has struggled to stop the attacks even after forming security partnerships with Russia. Despite this, the pull-out of the Bear Brigade raises concerns about the future of Burkina Faso’s security. The BBC explains that this could embolden jihadist groups that are increasingly targeting both civilians and military units.
In the northern town of Barsalogho, a recent attack by an al-Qaeda-linked group killed up to 300 people, both civilians and military personnel. Survivors described the attackers targeting people digging trenches to defend against jihadist attacks.
Although the government has not confirmed the number of deaths, Burkina Faso’s Communication Minister, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo, condemned the attack as “barbaric.”
The Bear Brigade’s exit is tied to the need for more Russian soldiers in the ongoing war with Ukraine. According to BBC, the unit is returning to Russian-occupied Crimea after their commander, Viktor Yermolaev, emphasized the importance of focusing on defending Russian territory.
This sudden departure leaves questions about how Burkina Faso will make up for the loss of this military support.
Similar challenges are faced by neighboring countries Mali and Niger, which, along with Burkina Faso, have all turned to Russia for help while battling Islamist groups in the region.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg4yg0k976lo