On May 10/2025
Burkina Faso’s President, Captain Ibrahim Traore emphasized the heavy influence of imperialism in Africa’s Sahel region during a visit to the Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology in Moscow on Saturday. His remarks came a day after attending Russia’s grand Victory Day parade, which commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II.
Sahel Under Imperialist Pressure
Speaking to students and faculty, Traoré framed the ongoing struggles in the Sahel a region encompassing Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and neighboring countries as part of a broader fight against neo-colonial domination.
“The Sahel is part of the area feeling heavy pressure and influence of imperialism “,Traoré stated. “With all we are experiencing, I do hope we can honor the memory of all those people, soldiers, who sacrificed their bodies and souls and advanced our struggle against imperialism and neo-colonialism.”
His comments reflect the growing anti-Western sentiment in the Sahel, where military-led governments in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have expelled French forces, severed long-standing security ties with former colonial power France, and turned toward Russia for military and political support.
Emphasis on Science and Self-Sufficiency
Traoré also stressed the importance of scientific and technological advancement, particularly in defense manufacturing, citing Russia’s weapons industry as a model.
“It is crucial not only to learn the theoretical basis but to have sufficient laboratories, personnel, and resources to innovate and create,”he said. His remarks suggest a push for greater self-reliance in defense and industrial capabilities, reducing dependence on foreign powers.
Victory Day Participation and Russia-Africa Ties
Traoré was among several foreign leaders who attended Moscow’s Victory Day parade on May 9, despite calls from Ukraine and Western nations to boycott the event. Troops from 13 countries, including China, Egypt Belarus, and several Central Asian nations, participated in the Red Square procession underscoring Russia’s efforts to maintain global alliances despite its isolation over the Ukraine war.
The Burkinabé leader is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, likely focusing on security cooperation and economic partnerships. Burkina Faso, along with Mali and Niger, has deepened military ties with Moscow, including through the deployment of Russian military instructors and the Wagner Group’s successor organization.
A Defiant Stance Against Western Influence
Traoré’s visit and statements reinforce the geopolitical shift in the Sahel where anti-French and anti-Western rhetoric has become central to military governments legitimacy. By aligning with Russia, these regimes position themselves as part of a broader “anti-imperialist” bloc, framing their coups and policy shifts as acts of decolonization.
As Western influence wanes in the region, Russia continues to expand its footprint, offering security partnerships, economic deals and diplomatic support to African nations resisting traditional Western alliances. Traoré’s Moscow trip underscores this realignment, signaling that the Sahel’s struggle against what he calls “imperialism” is far from over.
Emebet Asefa , Correspondent Addis Ababa , Ethiopia
