• Metascholar News Portal
• Africa , Security News
• May 20, 2025
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• 3 minutes Read

Burkina Faso’s Engagement with Russia Not Problematic – Security Expert Prof. Aning

Prof. Kwesi Aning, Head of the Office for International Cooperation at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), has dismissed concerns surrounding Burkina Faso’s increasing diplomatic and security cooperation with Russia. According to the renowned security analyst, the West should not be alarmed by Burkina Faso’s foreign policy choices, especially when similar relationships with Russia exist among many Western states themselves. In an interview on The Point of View with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV, Prof. Aning addressed the growing discourse about Sahelian countries namely Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger drifting away from traditional Western partnerships and embracing closer ties with Russia. This shift, especially in the context of military cooperation, has raised eyebrows among Western powers. However, Prof. Aning described such concerns as hypocritical and unfounded. He was particularly critical of what he termed “Western double standards,” arguing that it is disingenuous for Western governments to condemn African countries for engaging with Russia while they themselves continue to do business with Moscow despite ongoing tensions over the war in Ukraine. “All those who are criticising Burkina Faso for dealing with Russia let’s be honest Russia has invaded Ukraine, and yet those same critics are still doing business with Russia,” he asserted. He pointed out that despite sanctions imposed on Russia by the European Union, United States, and other Western allies, many multinational corporations from those countries have found indirect ways to maintain their operations and profits in Russian markets. “Go to Moscow or any of the major Russian cities. You will still find Western companies selling their industrial goods. They’ve simply found alternative ways of navigating the sanctions regime,” he explained. Prof. Aning emphasized that the decision regarding international alliances is a sovereign matter that lies squarely in the hands of the Burkinabe leadership. According to him, external actors should respect the agency and strategic decisions of African states, particularly when those decisions align with their national interests. “It’s up to the leadership of Burkina Faso to determine who their partners are. Whether they choose Russia or any other country, it is entirely their prerogative,” he stated. “Frankly, I’m not concerned about all this noise and criticism coming from outside. Burkina Faso must do what is best for its people.” His remarks highlight a broader conversation about Africa’s geopolitical realignment and the continent’s quest for diversified partnerships that prioritize sovereignty, security, and mutual respect over historical allegiances.