Burkina Faso faces deadly attacks as Russian mercenaries depart
- Russian mercenaries began leaving Burkina Faso in late August, citing a need to resist Ukraine's military actions.
- Data shows that their presence had little impact on combating Islamic terrorist groups in the Sahel.
- The departure coincided with one of the deadliest militant attacks in recent years, indicating ongoing security challenges.
In late August, Russian mercenaries who were contracted to provide security in Burkina Faso began their withdrawal from the country. This decision was reportedly influenced by their desire to resist Ukraine's recent military actions against Russia. Despite their presence, data indicates that these mercenaries had minimal effect on the ongoing conflict against Islamic terrorist groups in the Sahel region. The situation in Burkina Faso has remained precarious, with experts noting that violence in the Central Sahel has not improved. In fact, the week following the departure of the Russian forces witnessed one of the most lethal militant attacks in recent years, highlighting the ongoing instability and security challenges faced by the nation. The departure of these mercenaries raises concerns about the future security landscape in Burkina Faso, as the country grapples with increasing threats from extremist groups. The lack of effective intervention from the mercenaries suggests that alternative strategies may be necessary to address the persistent violence and ensure the safety of the local population.