The terrorist crisis in Burkina Faso and the change of foreign policy priorities 2012-2022

Wangraoua Wendpagnagde Vanessa Estelle PhD in History Graduate student, People's Friendship University of Russia 117198, Russia, Moscow region, Moscow, Miklukho Maklaya str., 3 31vanessaestelle@gmail.com

Introduction.

The current state of the State of Burkina Faso is characterized by a low standard of living, as well as poverty among the population. But the gradual building of international relations with more developed countries leads to an improvement in the situation. Despite the fact that the activities of public authorities are aimed at effectively improving the level of development of Burkina Faso, today one of the urgent problems for the state is the change of foreign policy views.

The geographical position of Burkina Faso is characterized less positively, which affects the geopolitics of the state. The development of international relations directly depends on the political concept, which includes the geographical factor. The current pace of economic development also affects the position of Burkina Faso in the system of international relations, since, as it was said, the state is one of the poorest today.

In this paper, we will consider the foreign policy of Burkina Faso, the influence of France on the state, which was a French colony until 1960, as well as the terrorist crisis, which has become more important in the last few years. The fight to lower the terrorism index in Burkina Faso has been going on for more than 10 years, but it is not possible to achieve the desired result. Today, the state of the country's international relations depends on the internal situation in Burkina Faso, which is characterized extremely negatively. The relevance of the chosen topic is unconditional, since the unstable state of the state in the social, political and economic fields negatively affects international relations.

Cooperation of Burkina Faso with the former metropolis – France.

In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic was a shock to the global economy, as it led to a sharp contraction in production, a reduction in activity in the service sector, and disruption of production chains. The crisis that broke out has greatly influenced and continues to influence the approaches to the investment policy of Burkina Faso ^[4]. At the moment, it can be stated that the general attention to the tasks of integrated development has weakened. The state began to lose its position in privileged markets, investment activity decreased, and therefore the authorities of Burkina Faso are interested in developing international relations. In addition, Covid-19 has had a strong impact on the situation in the state, which is why the unemployment rate has remained high since 2020. All this puts pressure on the authorities of Burkina Faso to conclude new international agreements for further cooperation.

Researchers whose interest is directed to the study of the African state note that its development did not follow the path of Western countries, despite the fact that Burkina Faso is a former French colony, and until recently was guided by the policy of France ^[7].

In 2022, Russia was sanctioned by the West and Europe, which became the determinant of the rupture of many diplomatic relations with the state. But the authorities of Burkina Faso are interested in establishing cooperation, which in many ways contradicts the policy of France, which was actively adopted by Burkina Faso ^[8].

Today, the state authorities are striving to maintain diplomatic relations with many EU countries, as this makes it possible to stabilize the state's economy. In particular, France continues to provide support in some cases, but in August 2022, the population of Burkina Faso began to demand that the state authorities sever relations with it. This is influenced by several reasons, one of which is an increase in the level of terrorist acts. In 2019, one of the highest terrorism indices was observed in Burkina Faso.

Terrorism as one of the important problems of Burkina Faso.

There is a fairly high level of terrorist threat in the state. In connection with the sanctions measures imposed against Russia, most countries found themselves in an unstable economic situation, which led to an increase in the level of terrorist acts. Burkina Faso was no exception. However, another reason can be called the activities of terrorist groups banned on the territory of the Russian Federation: "Al-Qaeda" and "Islamic State" ^[16]. In connection with such circumstances, the population of Burkina Faso demands to sever any relations with France.

The head of the Government of Burkina Faso claims that if for many years cooperation with France has not allowed to defeat terrorism, then his country has the right to raise such questions. They need to be asked despite the fact that France is a "historical partner" for Burkina Faso ^[15].

The authorities stressed that the problems arise not between the peoples of Burkina Faso and France, but between the rulers and in relation to the cooperation of the two states. Recall that in the context of the frequent terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso, representatives of civil society regularly call for the severance of relations with France and the establishment of cooperation with Russia.

We have analyzed local and foreign sources considering the reasons for the increase in the level of terrorism in African countries, including Burkina Faso. Among the studies we can single out the work of I.N. Nyadera and H. Massaud. In a relatively recent article, the authors pointed out that the main reason is "the theory of uncontrolled space and conflicts, according to which the lack of effective activity on the part of the government can eventually lead to disintegration and political destabilization" ^[14]. In our opinion, due to the emergence of many conflicts, the population of Burkina Faso has become vulnerable to factors leading to the emergence of armed groups and terrorist groups. The analysis of government indicators shows that for several years the authorities of Burkina Faso have not carried out an effective internal policy ^[12].

Other researchers, in particular, I. Attia ^[13], indicate that the main reason for the high terrorist index in the state is the influence of the former metropolis – France. In modern conditions, independence issues are becoming a priority for each state, especially for the local population. Thus, the long-term struggle for the right of autonomy led to uprisings and revolutions ^[9].

A number of terrorist acts took place back in 2011, the reason for this was the famous "Arab Night", which changed the political situation in the country. The consequences have acquired an exceptionally negative connotation, first of all, one of the most widespread terrorist groups "ISIS" (banned on the territory of the Russian Federation) was created. We emphasize that after the events of 2011, the consequences for Burkina Faso as a whole were insignificant, but this condition worsened by 2014.

According to research conducted by one of the international databases "Global Terrorism Database", 7 acts of terrorism were registered in Burkina Faso in 2015. For comparison, in 2014 there were only 3 of them. From January 15, 2016, the date of the first major terrorist attack committed in the center of Ouagadougou to December 10, 2017, Burkina Faso became the target of 102 large-scale attacks by armed extremists ^[5].

From the analysis, we can conclude that the terrorist crisis was caused by a number of reasons, among which the events of the "Arab Spring" occupy a key place. The increase in the terrorism index in 2021 led to a change in the foreign policy views of Burkina Faso, including the gradual abandonment of the orientation towards the policy of France.

First of all, the state authorities are interested in establishing international relations with Russia. We emphasize that diplomatic relations between Burkina Faso and the Soviet Union were first concluded back in 1967. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Burkina Faso recognized Russia as the legal successor of the USSR. However, for financial reasons, the embassies between the two countries were closed ^[3].

Terrorism has once again become the reason for mass conflicts and demonstrations calling on the authorities of Burkina Faso to consider joining the state to the Russian Federation. This is largely due to the fact that the hunger index has increased significantly over the past few years – most of the population cannot meet basic food needs. However, the UN Security Council stood aside and did not make statements on the situation in Burkina Faso. Particular attention is drawn to the inaction of France, which once sought to improve the situation in the state against terrorism and began an active fight against the rebels.

Speaking about Russia's reaction to the recent events in Burkina Faso aimed at international relations between the two countries, we note that the Russian authorities are interested in supporting the African country. Some of the researchers note that the cooperation between the two states can be called a historic moment, since it can have an impact on improving the quality of life in Burkina Faso ^[11].

Cooperation between Burkina Faso and the USA.

Continuing to consider foreign policy issues, we note the international relations between Burkina Faso and the United States, since cooperation affects the interests of the two states in strengthening the stability of economic indicators.

Cooperation with the United States allows Burkina Faso to implement many regional programs within the framework of bilateral diplomacy, since the state provides financial assistance. As a result, a positive aspect of such cooperation can be called a program implemented through Catholic services in Burkina Faso called "Food for Peace" - school lunches.

Most researchers hold the position that Burkina Faso has become the site of several successful examples of development in the process of diplomatic cooperation with other States. For example, the leadership of the United States in ensuring food security in the Sahel after the 1968-74 drought led to the actual elimination of hunger, despite repeated dry years. River blindness has been eliminated in the region.

In both cases, the United States was the main donor to inter-African organizations headquartered in Ouagadougou, which, thanks to constant efforts, achieved and consolidated these achievements. In 2005, Burkina Faso and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) signed a $12 million Threshold country program to build schools and increase the number of girls attending school.

Moreover, in November 2005, the Millennium Challenges Corporation selected Burkina Faso as the country eligible to apply for assistance from the Millennium Challenges account for fiscal year 2006, which made it one of two countries eligible for both threshold and concessional financing ^[1].

Cooperation between Burkina Faso and China.

In the last few years, the authorities of Burkina Faso have been striving to establish international relations with China. We emphasize that for a certain period of time, Burkina Faso adhered to the position that the Republic of China is the only representative of China, and, as a result, cooperated with it.

The history of relations between Burkina Faso and China is long, but it is complicated by the unstable situation in the global economy.  From September 15, 1973 to February 4, 1994, Ouagadougou and its five successive presidents maintained modest relations with Beijing (in terms of projects and financing) ^[2]. This opportunistic thing happened two years after the so-called mainland China joined the UN Security Council. 

In 1971, Burkina Faso (then "Upper Volta" - the name was obtained during the colonial period), together with the United States, opposed United Nations General Assembly resolution 2758 of October 25, 1971. Maurice Yameogo (president from 1959 to 1966), however, maintained relations with Beijing before the formalization of bilateral relations, that is, during the Taiwan-Burkinabian cooperation. 

In the late 1990s, Burkina Faso was influenced by many factors that negatively affected the already poor financial condition of the State. In our opinion, Burkina Faso needs financial assistance from foreign investors, but Western countries cannot support this. However, at this stage of cooperation, China does not show interest in providing financial support.

Cooperation between Burkina Faso and Ghana.

We also note the mutually beneficial cooperation of the state with the countries of West Africa, since the dynamics of their relations has improved significantly over the past ten years ^[6]. One of the countries with which Burkina Faso is seeking to strengthen diplomatic relations is Ghana. 

When Thomas Sankara came to power in Burkina Faso in 1983, relations between the states became closer. The focus on France on policy-making has become key in creating a strong bond that can raise the level of the economy, as well as establish political relations between the countries. Despite the fact that Ghana is one of the poor countries, like Burkina Faso, their union has only strengthened in recent years. We emphasize that the authorities of the states have also joined forces to resolve the issue related to the increased index of terrorism in both countries.

During the colonial period, cooperation between Burkina Faso and Ghana was disrupted, since being under the influence of the former metropolis negatively affected the relations of peoples. Currently, import and export channels have been established in the states, due to which the social and material situation of each of the countries is increasing. 

Change of foreign policy views.

The change of foreign policy orientations of Burkina Faso can be considered on the example of gradually ceasing cooperation with France. At the present stage of the development of the state and the entry into new diplomatic relations, Burkina Faso is confidently moving away from the French benchmark, building new political branches in the international arena. In many ways, this process was influenced by the coup, which occurred not unreasonably – this is due to the ineffective activities of the French state in the fight against terrorism. At this stage, the authorities of Burkina Faso intend to build only those international relations that can have a positive impact on their development in different directions. Despite the fact that coups in Burkina Faso occur quite often, it was the recent events that became the basis for the rupture of relations with France.

Despite the fact that Burkina Faso has been under the influence of the former metropolis for a long time ^[10], today the political views and international relations of the state are actively changing. The reasons are obvious – the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the state of the global economy, in particular, Burkina Faso, as well as the terrorist crisis observed in the state over the past 10 years.

Results.

Based on the analysis, we can draw several conclusions: firstly, the events of the "Arab Spring" became the main reason for the emergence of many armed groups, including the famous "Al-Qaeda" and "ISIS" (banned in the territory of the Russian Federation). It seems that the activity of radical and terrorist groups in Burkina Faso is explained by a number of complex and interrelated factors. A few of them are as follows:

1. Political instability: The situation in Burkina Faso has remained unstable for a long time. Historical conflicts, the lack of strong State control and the inability of the Government to provide decent living conditions for all citizens can stimulate discontent and resistance in certain segments of society, which creates the ground for the emergence of radical groups.

2. Economic problems: the difficult economic situation, high levels of poverty, unemployment and uneven distribution of resources are also factors contributing to attracting citizens to radical groups. Lack of economic opportunities can create a sense of despair and hopelessness, which makes individuals more vulnerable to propaganda and recruitment by terrorist groups.

3. Ethnic and religious differences: In Burkina Faso, there are ethnic and religious differences that can lead to conflicts and tensions in society. Religious cults and their individual interests can be used by radical groups to mobilize support and create conflicts.

4. Geopolitical factors: Burkina Faso borders many countries, including Mali, Niger and Ivory Coast, which also face serious problems of political instability and terrorism. This can facilitate the movement of terrorist organizations across borders and the exchange of experience, weapons and resources.

Forecasting the results of the fight against terrorism in Burkina Faso seems to be a complex process, as it depends on many factors and conditions. However, let's consider a few possible predictions:

1. Strengthening international cooperation: Burkina Faso can expect to further strengthen cooperation with other countries and international organizations in the fight against terrorism. Information exchange, security support and technical assistance can help to improve the effectiveness of counter-terrorism activities.

2. Strengthening State institutions: Burkina Faso can take steps to strengthen its State institutions and ensure the rule of law in the country. This may include the improvement of law enforcement agencies, the development of the judicial system, as well as the strengthening of borders and the armed forces.

3. Involvement and integration of the local population: it is important to involve the local population, especially in areas where radical and terrorist groups operate, in the fight against terrorism. This may include social development programs, job creation, access to education, and participation in local and political processes.

4. Prevention of radicalization: In addition to fighting current terrorist groups, Burkina Faso can focus on preventing radicalization and recruiting new members. This can be achieved through education, information campaigns, the involvement of religious leaders and the adaptation of social media strategies.

5. Economic development: Improving the economic situation in Burkina Faso can play an important role in the fight against terrorism. Job creation, infrastructure development, support for small and medium-sized businesses and the fight against poverty can reduce the vulnerability of the population to radicalization and help create a stable society.

These are just some possible predictions. The fight against terrorism is a complex task that requires constant analysis of the situation, the adoption of effective measures and the cooperation of various parties.

Secondly, the increase in the terrorist index has been observed since 2014, despite the fact that in 2011 a number of acts of terrorism aimed at seizing State power were committed. Starting in 2014, the authorities of Burkina Faso began to urgently review foreign policy relations, since there was an urgent need to resolve the terrorist issue.

Thirdly, today Burkina Faso is interested in establishing international relations with a large number of States, since already low economic indicators are becoming a factor in the commission of new terrorist acts.

Fourth, cooperation between Russia and Burkina Faso is a priority for the authorities of the states, since at present it is necessary to build humanitarian channels and establish trade and economic routes between the countries.

Thus, today Burkina Faso is striving to create alliances with countries that will be able to restore their economic condition, as well as resolve the issue of coups in the state. Once a former colony of France, Burkina Faso, after many years of cooperation with the French state, decided to change the orientation towards France in favor of building strong diplomatic relations with other states.

Having studied the terrorist crisis and the change in the foreign policy views of Burkina Faso, we can note the urgent need to implement measures aimed at reducing the terrorist index, eliminating the causes and factors of terrorism, as well as building international relations for the effective resolution of economic issues.