The recent cross-border incursion of Ukraine into Russia has disrupted the plans of Russian mercenaries in Burkina Faso, with many of them being pulled out to help boost Moscow’s defenses back home. Viktor Yermolaev, the head of a paramilitary unit known as Medvedi, stated that this move by Ukraine has shifted the focus of the mercenaries from Burkina Faso to defending their homeland. Yermolaev, also known as Jedi, highlighted the significance of defending Russia and stated that many fighters from his unit had left Burkina Faso while some remained behind.
The Bear Brigade, a paramilitary group closely linked to the Russian state, has been involved in providing security for junta leader Ibrahim Traore in Burkina Faso. The group consists of around 300 fighters, with some remaining in the African country despite others being pulled out due to the situation in Russia. Yermolaev, in a recent picture, is seen shaking hands with Traore, indicating their prior relationship and the group’s involvement in providing security for the political leadership in Burkina Faso.
Russian mercenaries, including the Bear Brigade, have been present in Burkina Faso following a series of coups in the region. These mercenaries were called in to support new regimes and provide military assistance to stabilize the situation. The involvement of Russian fighters has led to an increase in Russia’s influence in francophone West Africa, with the country replacing former colonial powers like France in providing military support to these nations.
Jack Margolin, an expert on private military companies, believes that the exit of the Bear Brigade from Burkina Faso will have a limited impact on the ground, as their focus was primarily on training and security for political leadership. Margolin also pointed out that there are other Russian military units present in Burkina Faso that will continue to maintain a presence in the region. The Bear Brigade’s activities in Burkina Faso were not as high-risk as other Russian mercenary groups like Wagner.
The Bear Brigade, described as a group of volunteers who signed contracts with Russia’s GRU military intelligence service, operated independently of the Russian defense ministry. Despite this autonomy, Yermolaev mentioned that they always help the defense ministry when needed. Russian security operations in Africa are now coordinated through an umbrella group known as the Africa Corps, which oversees the activities of various Russian military units in the region. The situation in Burkina Faso and the involvement of Russian mercenaries continue to be a point of interest for analysts and experts monitoring developments in the region.
As challenges and conflicts continue to unfold in various regions, including Africa, the role of Russian mercenaries and paramilitary units in supporting new regimes and providing security for political leaders remains a topic of concern. The impact of the Bear Brigade’s withdrawal from Burkina Faso and the broader implications of Russia’s activities in the region are areas that will continue to be monitored closely by intelligence agencies, experts, and observers. The evolving geopolitical landscape and the role of private military companies in conflicts around the world are subjects that require ongoing attention and analysis to understand their implications for international security and stability.
