This decision follows a virtual meeting between Burkina Faso and Russian officials, signifying a growing partnership between the two countries.
The Ministry of Education’s Department of Communications described the initiative as “ambitious,” aiming to expand cultural and linguistic exposure for Burkina Faso’s students, and strengthen relations between the two countries.
The virtual conference addressed various areas of educational cooperation, with the goal of improving Burkina Faso’s education system. These areas include developing a digital platform tailored to specific educational needs and training teachers in its use, promoting patriotism within Burkina Faso’s educational system, and providing training for aviation sector professionals.
The Ministry of Education reports that “Russian specialists, in collaboration with Burkinabe technicians, will work on the design and implementation of teaching materials.” These materials will be designed to strengthen students’ professional preparation, and be relevant to the local context of the country.
The introduction of Russian language classes comes amidst a growing relationship between Burkina Faso and Russia. This development follows the rise to power of Captain Ibrahim Traore in Burkina Faso, the December 2023 reopening of the Russian embassy in Ouagadougou, and the deployment of a contingent of roughly 100 Russian troops from Africa Corp to Ouagadougou.
However, this growing partnership has come at the expense of Burkina Faso’s previous diplomatic relationship with France.
DS/ac/fss/abj/APA