The research group “All Eyes on Wagner” released a study on Burkina Faso on Monday, December 4, shedding light on the accelerating Russian presence in Ouagadougou since the Russia-Africa summit held in Saint Petersburg in July. The study suggests that Burkina Faso is increasingly falling under Moscow’s influence.
Around twenty individuals in Russian military uniforms were spotted at the Ouagadougou airport, where a military plane had earlier landed. Subsequent reports from Jeune Afrique revealed that they were accommodated at the Lancaster Hotel in the Ouaga 2000 district, tasked with protecting Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
Later, on November 22, a new channel named Africa Corps emerged on Telegram, presenting itself as a paramilitary organization responsible for Africa. Analysts from All Eyes on Wagner, including Lou Osborne, believe this organization serves as a façade for Russian influence, asserting that it might not be a new Wagner but a platform allowing the Ministry of Defense to deploy its personnel discreetly. The study suggests that Africa Corps is likely less independent than Wagner, representing a more centralized and Moscow-driven approach.
This development signals a potential resurgence of Moscow’s control over African operations, challenging the once-independent status of Wagner. The study delves into these intricacies, providing valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of Russian involvement in Burkina Faso.