Russian fighters to leave Burkina Faso for Ukraine

The situation in Burkina Faso is becoming increasingly complex as Russian paramilitary forces prepare to withdraw from the country. This decision comes amid a significant rise in violence and instability in the region. The Bear Brigade, a private military company from Russia, had sent around 300 soldiers to Burkina Faso in May to assist the military junta led by interim President Capt Ibrahim Traoré. However, now they are pulling out 100 of their personnel to return to Russia, where they will support the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Bear Brigade announced their withdrawal through their Telegram channel, stating that their forces would be returning to help defend Russia against recent attacks in the Kursk region. This news has raised concerns among many, as the departure of these Russian fighters could potentially empower Islamist insurgents in Burkina Faso. These groups have been responsible for a series of deadly attacks, including a recent incident that claimed the lives of up to 300 individuals, marking one of the most devastating assaults in recent years. Since 2015, Burkina Faso has been grappling with a surge in jihadist violence, leading to the displacement of over two million people, a situation that aid organizations have described as a humanitarian crisis. The military junta, which took power in a coup in September 2022, had promised to put an end to these attacks but has struggled to maintain control. With nearly half of the country now outside government authority, jihadist groups are increasingly targeting both civilians and military personnel. Survivors of the recent attack in Barsalogho reported that many of the victims were civilians and soldiers who were working to fortify the town against jihadist threats. The government has not released an official death toll, but Communication Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo condemned the attack as 'barbaric. ' The Bear Brigade has been tasked with protecting key Burkinabè officials, including Capt Traoré, whose leadership has faced challenges. Their arrival coincided with a period of heightened tension, including gunfire near the presidential palace, which fueled speculation about potential opposition to the junta leader. Videos circulating on social media showed the Burkinabè military leader being guarded by soldiers wearing uniforms adorned with Russian flags. The Bear Brigade also claimed to be providing security for the Russian ambassador in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. The decision to withdraw 100 members of this specialized unit comes just three months after their arrival, and it is linked to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Viktor Yermolaev, the commander of the Bear Brigade, stated, 'When the enemy arrives on our Russian territory, all Russian soldiers forget about internal problems and unite against a common enemy. ' On Tuesday, the group announced on their Telegram channel that they would be returning to their base in Russian-occupied Crimea due to recent developments. The future of Burkina Faso's military support remains uncertain following the partial withdrawal of the Bear Brigade. Like Burkina Faso, neighboring countries such as Mali and Niger are also facing challenges from various Islamist groups operating in the Sahel region. The military has taken control in these nations and formed the Alliance of Sahel States, distancing themselves from their former colonial power, France, and seeking closer ties with Russia. They have been acquiring weapons and deploying fighters from the Wagner Group, now known as the Africa Corps. Despite these efforts, armed groups have intensified their attacks, particularly in Burkina Faso, even as the local military has been actively recruiting members for a self-defense militia called the Volunteers for the Defence of the Homeland. The situation remains dire, and the people of Burkina Faso continue to face significant challenges as they navigate this complex landscape of violence and instability.