The Russian private military company, Bear Brigade, has announced the withdrawal of 100 of its paramilitary officers from Burkina Faso to bolster Russia’s defense efforts in the ongoing war in Ukraine. The group stated on its Telegram channel that its forces would return home to support Russia’s counteroffensive against Ukraine’s recent push in the Kursk region.
This decision comes after nearly 300 Bear Brigade soldiers arrived in Burkina Faso in May to assist the country’s military junta. The departure of these 100 soldiers has sparked concerns about the potential for emboldened Islamist insurgents, particularly following a recent attack that resulted in the deaths of up to 300 people, one of the most significant assaults in years.
The deployment of Russian military personnel in Burkina Faso earlier this year, marked the first significant deployment of Russian troops to the West African nation. This move follows Burkina Faso’s expulsion of French troops in early 2023, leading to speculation about deepening security ties with Russia, similar to neighboring Mali, where Russian Wagner mercenaries operate.
The growing security ties between Russia and African nations, particularly those like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger where military leaders have seized power in coups, have become a source of concern for the United States and other Western governments. Burkina Faso has experienced two coups within ten months, the second resulting in the military junta ousting French forces and seeking security support from Russia. However, the junta has struggled to contain the escalating security and humanitarian crisis.
Burkina Faso has been ranked as the world’s biggest neglected crisis for the second consecutive year by the Norwegian Refugee Council. A record 6.3 million people, out of a population of 20 million, require humanitarian assistance in 2024, according to the aid organization. The crisis has left many on the brink of starvation, with two million people internally displaced, including approximately 60% children. The impact of the crisis has led to widespread trauma, while resources to provide assistance remain scarce.
