The third Russia-Africa Summit is set to take place in Moscow on October 28-29, with several African leaders in attendance. Burkina Faso's Prime Minister, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, has expressed his country's expectations from the summit, emphasizing the need for concrete results in various areas. In an interview with Russian state-owned TV channel RT on October 27, Ouédraogo highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation between Burkina Faso and Russia.
Ouédraogo's comments come amid growing ties between Burkina Faso and Russia, which have strengthened since the departure of the Operation Sabre in 2023 at the request of the new authorities. Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Burkinabè Captain Ibrahim Traoré to participate in the summit. The country's Foreign Minister, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, confirmed earlier this month that Burkina Faso was ready to engage with Russia.
The Prime Minister outlined several priorities for the partnership with Russia, including reinforcing training, technology transfers, and national production capacities. He stressed the need for Burkina Faso to produce enough to feed itself and transform its mineral resources locally, in order to boost economic autonomy. These comments reflect the country's desire to diversify its partnerships and reduce its dependence on traditional allies.
Several African leaders have already arrived in Moscow, including Malian President Assimi Goïta, who arrived on October 26, as well as Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso. The presence of these leaders underscores the significance of the summit and the interest of African countries in strengthening ties with Russia.
Ouédraogo also responded to critics who view Burkina Faso's rapprochement with Russia as a change in tutelage. He described the cooperation between the two countries as "equal-to-equal," emphasizing the country's desire for a partnership based on mutual respect and benefit. This approach reflects a shift in Burkina Faso's foreign policy, as the country seeks to assert its independence and sovereignty.
The Russia-Africa Summit has become a regular event, with previous editions held in Sochi in 2019 and St. Petersburg in 2023. The summit provides a platform for African leaders to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin and discuss issues of mutual interest. This year's summit is expected to focus on strengthening economic and security cooperation between Russia and Africa.
The outcome of the summit will be closely watched by observers, who will be looking for concrete commitments from Russia to support Africa's development goals. For Burkina Faso, the summit represents an opportunity to secure new partnerships and investments that can help drive economic growth and stability. The country's participation in the summit reflects its desire to engage with new partners and diversify its international relationships.
Key points
- Burkina Faso's Prime Minister, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, has outlined the country's priorities for partnership with Russia, including training, technology transfers, and national production capacities.
