Financial Crime World

Burkina Faso’s International Relations Under Scrutiny as Country Revokes Military Cooperation Agreements

Growing Ties with Russia Raise Concerns

In a move that has raised concerns about its growing closeness to Russia, Burkina Faso has revoked several bilateral and multilateral military cooperation agreements, including with France. This decision is seen as part of the country’s efforts to strengthen its ties with Moscow.

Meanwhile, international organizations have praised Burkina Faso for establishing robust legal frameworks to combat organized crime, including laws addressing human trafficking, corruption, money laundering, and terrorism. However, the country’s judicial system has been criticized for being plagued by corruption and impunity, with reports of extrajudicial killings by state forces and the Volunteer for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) forces.

Challenges in Combating Violent Extremism

The fight against violent extremism consumes most of the judiciary’s time and capacity, leaving less time to prosecute other criminal offenses. As a result, prosecution processes are often protracted, resulting in many alleged perpetrators spending years in prison awaiting trial. This has raised concerns about due process issues and corruption within the system.

Law Enforcement Challenges

Law enforcement bodies in Burkina Faso lack the means to effectively enforce laws governing organized crime and specific criminal markets. The country only has one specialized law enforcement unit – an anti-drugs unit – and a High Authority for the Control of the Importation of Arms and their Use, which has not been active since its creation.

Military Challenges

The military forces in Burkina Faso are inadequately trained and poorly equipped, making it challenging to face violent extremist groups operating across growing geographies of the country. The country shares borders with six other nations, many of which have serious security and insurgency issues, making border control a significant challenge.

Economic Environment Under Strain

Burkina Faso’s economic environment is also under strain due to ongoing insecurities. The country has implemented basic anti-money laundering laws and structures, but enforcement remains a challenge due to the weak capacity of the financial intelligence unit and the prevalence of a large informal economy. Corruption within the business environment, alongside the deteriorated security situation, continues to hinder economic growth.

Combating Human Trafficking

The government’s efforts to combat trafficking have been praised, with increased identification of victims, establishment of shelters, and provision of legal assistance. However, long-term care for all victims remains inadequate due to insufficient funding and resources, increasing the risk of re-trafficking.

Challenges Facing Civil Society

Burkina Faso’s civil society is robust, with various organizations advocating for causes ranging from literacy to women’s rights. However, under the current military transition government, civil liberties have shrunk, and human rights organizations face threats, harassment, and abuse by authorities.

International Relations Under Scrutiny

The decision to revoke military cooperation agreements with France has raised concerns about Burkina Faso’s commitment to democracy and human rights. The country’s international relations are under scrutiny as it navigates its relationship with Russia and other global powers.

Key Takeaways

  • Burkina Faso has revoked several bilateral and multilateral military cooperation agreements, including with France.
  • The country is strengthening its ties with Russia, raising concerns about its commitment to democracy and human rights.
  • Burkina Faso’s judicial system is plagued by corruption and impunity, making it challenging to combat organized crime and violent extremism.
  • Law enforcement bodies lack the means to effectively enforce laws governing organized crime and specific criminal markets.
  • The country’s economic environment is under strain due to ongoing insecurities and corruption.