Prof. Kwesi Aning, Head of the Office for International Cooperation at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), says Burkina Faso’s deepening relationship with Russia should not raise alarm.
His remarks come amid growing debate over the shift by Sahelian countries—including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—away from traditional Western alliances in favour of closer cooperation with Russia, particularly in security and economic matters.
Speaking on The Point of View on Channel One TV with Bernard Avle, Prof. Aning defended Burkina Faso’s right to choose its allies and criticised what he described as Western double standards.
“All those who are criticising Burkina Faso for dealing with Russia. Russia has invaded Ukraine, and all those countries talking are still doing business with Russia,” he said.
He noted that despite sanctions imposed on Moscow, many Western companies continue to operate in Russia through indirect means.
“They talk about sanctions, but go to Moscow, the big cities, Western firms are finding ways and means of beating the sanctions to sell their industrial goods,” he stated.
Prof. Aning stressed that decisions on international partnerships rest solely with Burkina Faso’s leadership.
“I think it’s up to the leadership of Burkina Faso to determine who are their best friends. And I can assure you, it’s not just the external partners. I’m not worried about all these noises coming from people,” he added.
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