Burkinabe Defense Minister Says Army-2024 Forum in Russia 'Was Really Enriching'
17:33 14.08.2024 (Updated: 12:40 15.08.2024)
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The Army-2024 Forum, following last year's success with contracts worth over 400 billion rubles ($4.4 billion), welcomes delegations from 83 countries, including 39 led by defense ministry heads and chiefs of general staffs. China, Iran, India, Mali, and Burkina Faso were among the 83 countries participating in the event on August 12-14.
Defense Minister of Burkina Faso Kassoum Coulibaly found the International Forum Army-2024 "really enriching" as he shared his impressions in an exclusive interview with Sputnik Africa.
"This year, really, kudos to the organizers, because there was a major innovation, which was a kind of seminar for the participants, because not only was there the equipment, but also there were the presentations that were made on the feedback in all areas," he said.
The minister highlighted the topics of these presentations: artillery, anti-drone warfare, chemical defense, combat practices, and tactical medicine.
"[..] We enjoyed this forum. It is not just seeing the equipment; it is really seeing how the equipment performs," Coulibaly noted.
Moreover, Russian instructors are introducing Burkina Faso to fresh viewpoints, he said.
"New ways of conducting combat and insights into Russian doctrine—this has been a significant advantage that has greatly enriched us," the defense minister highlighted.
Regarding other partners, Burkina Faso has noticed that there is "a significant gap between what is said and what is done" in some military partnerships, particularly with France, according to the minister.
"If I am dealing with someone who comes to teach me, to cooperate, but who is not as capable as I am, what can I possibly learn from them? On the contrary, they are here for something else," he remarked.
He emphasized that Burkina Faso has already set up the joint force, allowing them to intervene promptly whenever there is an attack in either country of the Alliance of the Sahel States. At the end of July, Burkinabe forces supported Mali in an operation in the Tinzaouatene area, routing jihadist terrorist groups.
"A Burkinabe soldier can end up in Mali or Niger, or a unit can end up in Mali or Niger, without really any formality whatsoever. We communicate, we cooperate with liaison officers who are there, and it works," he explained.
Providing security involves making sure that the AES functions seamlessly across borders, the minister added.
"We work in a family setting. That is really the main thing. We understand each other well," Coulibaly stressed.
Regarding the safety of the future nuclear power plant, Burkina Faso does not plan to involve Russian experts to ensure it but does not rule out that the country may need training and equipment in this area, the minister noted.
"We in Burkina Faso have taken responsibility for ensuring our safety. No one can protect any facility in our country better than ourselves. However, we may need training and equipment, but this is more than enough because we have brave servicemen, dedicated fighters, and professionals who can do this job," Coulibaly said.
Representatives of the Russian state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom previously held a meeting with Burkina Faso Mining and Energy Minister Yacouba Zabre in Ouagadougou, where they discussed the construction of a nuclear power plant in the country.
The Army-2024 Forum opened on August 12. Russia presented over 700 samples of dual-use military and civilian products to foreign partners.
On the sidelines of the Army-2024 Forum, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov met with the heads of delegations from Niger and Burkina Faso, as well as with other delegations, to discuss prospects for military cooperation.
On the sidelines of the Army-2024 Forum, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov met with the heads of delegations from Niger and Burkina Faso, as well as with other delegations, to discuss prospects for military cooperation.
Russia has signed state contracts with arms manufacturers worth almost 500 billion rubles ($5.3 billion) at the forum, head of the Main Directorate of Armament of the Armed Forces of Russia, Lieutenant General Anatoly Gulyaev, stated on Tuesday.
