BURKINA Faso has taken a significant step towards addressing its energy deficit, as the nation signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Russian state nuclear company Rosatom for the construction of a nuclear power plant. The MOU was signed in Moscow, marking a historic moment for the landlocked Sahel West African state.
The Burkina Faso Ministry of Energy said the nuclear power plant would play a pivotal role in fulfilling the country’s energy requirements. According to a statement released by Burkina Faso’s energy ministry, the agreement was officially signed by Simon-Pierre Boussim, the Minister of Energy and Mines, and Nikolay Spasskiy, Rosatom’s Deputy Director General.
The origins of this landmark agreement trace back to a request made by Burkina Faso’s junta leader, Captain Ibrahim Traore, to the Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Russia-Africa summit held in St. Petersburg in July. This initiative symbolizes a deepening of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
However, the MOU itself does not provide specific details regarding the proposed nuclear power plant’s characteristics, funding arrangements, or a timeline for the construction phase. Instead, the memorandum focuses on broader cooperation. It emphasizes the development of nuclear infrastructure and technology, particularly for medical and agricultural applications within Burkina Faso. Additionally, the agreement pledges to offer support to Burkina Faso in matters of nuclear safety and security.
Captain Ibrahim Traore, who assumed power in a military coup in September 2022, has taken strides to establish closer ties with Russia. This shift in alliances can be attributed to a cooling of relations between Burkina Faso and its former colonial power, France. Concurrently, Russia is working to mend its Western isolation, primarily caused by the Ukraine conflict, and expand its influence in various African nations.
Notably, Burkina Faso, alongside its neighbours Mali and Niger, is strengthening its ties with Russia, particularly in the context of military cooperation. This aligns with the shared struggle of these nations to combat militant insurgencies linked to Al Qaeda and Daesh.
Burkina Faso, a semi-arid country with a population exceeding 20 million, currently has an installed power generation capacity of just over 420 megawatts. The introduction of a nuclear power plant is expected to significantly boost the nation’s energy production capabilities and contribute to its long-term energy security.