Russia reopens embassy in Burkina Faso after 31-year hiatus

After a hiatus of nearly 32 years, Russia has officially reopened its embassy in Burkina Faso.

The West African nation had previously fallen out with former colonial ruler France, leading to the closure of the Russian embassy.

The Burkinabe foreign ministry confirmed the reopening in a statement, stating that “Russia formally reopened its embassy this Thursday in Ouagadougou.”

Alexei Saltykov, Russia’s ambassador to Ivory Coast, will head the mission in Burkina Faso until a new ambassador is appointed.

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Saltykov described Burkina Faso as “an old partner with whom we have solid and friendly ties,” and added that “despite our physical absence here, bilateral cooperation in the political and economic fields have never ceased.”

The Russian foreign ministry explained that the reopening of the embassy would “increase coordination in terms of foreign policy” and consolidate the “friendship” between the two countries.

Burkina Faso has distanced itself from France, its historic partner, since a military coup last year. The ruling junta has moved closer to Russia, which has pledged to deliver free grain to the African country, which is one of the world’s poorest.

In addition to this, Russia has discussed greater military cooperation with Burkina Faso.

In October, Burkina Faso signed a deal with Russia for the construction of a nuclear power plant to increase the energy supply to the Sahel country where less than a quarter of the population has access to electricity.

The move comes as Russia grows increasingly isolated since its Ukraine offensive and seeks to expand its influence in Africa.

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