Russian troops deploy to Burkina Faso

Jan 25 (Reuters) – A contingent of Russian military personnel flew into Burkina Faso’s capital Ouagadougou on Wednesday in what appeared to be the first significant deployment of Russian troops to the West African country, two foreign security sources said on Thursday.

The junta-led country’s relations with Moscow have been in the spotlight since it booted out French troops in early 2023, fuelling speculation it would deepen security ties with Russia like neighbouring Mali, where Russian Wagner mercenaries operate.