Burkina Faso's Prime Minister, Apollinaire Kyelem de Tambela, has accused Ukraine of backing terrorist activities in the Sahel region as a strategy to weaken Russia's influence in Africa. Speaking during an interview with RT in Moscow, Tambela alleged that Ukraine is deliberately fueling instability in the region, which includes Burkina Faso and its neighbors, to disrupt Russia’s military partnerships.
Tambela criticized Ukraine's actions, suggesting that it should focus on its own internal issues rather than interfering in African affairs. He highlighted Russia’s respectful approach towards African nations, contrasting it with the policies of Western countries, particularly France.
The diplomatic tensions came to a head in August when Burkina Faso, alongside Mali and Niger, called for United Nations intervention against Ukraine, accusing it of involvement in a deadly ambush in the Sahel. The incident led to the severance of diplomatic relations between Burkina Faso and Ukraine, despite the latter's denial of any wrongdoing.
The allegations have further strained relations, underscoring a significant shift in the region’s diplomatic landscape as countries like Burkina Faso increasingly seek to distance themselves from traditional Western alliances and foster closer ties with Russia.
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