Reuters published on 25 January 2024 an article titled "Russian Troops Deploy to Burkina Faso."
Russia sent 100 troops to Burkina Faso on 24 January to "ensure the safety of the country's leader Ibrahim Traore and the Burkinabe people." Russia's defense ministry said it plans to send 200 more troops.
Comment: A contingent of 300 Russian troops is hardly sufficient to ensure the safety of the Burkinabe people. This looks more like a bodyguard for the personal protection of Ibrahim Traore and trainers for an elite presidential guard. The troops also appear to be part of Russia's new Africa Corps, which has replaced the mercenary Wagner Group.
