In a landmark move geared towards improving its energy landscape, Burkina Faso’s military leaders have signed a deal with Russia to build a nuclear power plant to increase electricity.
It is the junta’s latest move to align itself with Russia after falling out with most of its Western partners.
The junta has turned to Russia for economic and military support since it seized power last year.
Burkina Faso is one of the least electrified countries globally, with only 21% of people connected to power. An MoU, that has been under discussion between the two nations, is for the construction of a nuclear power plant in the West African nation, aiming to address its acute electricity shortage.
This agreement has been the outcome of extended discussions held between the Burkinabe military ruler, Capt Ibrahim Traore, and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Russia-Africa summit in July. The upcoming MoU will be officially signed between the Russian federal atomic energy agency, Rosatom, and the Burkinabe ministry of energy. The signing is set to coincide with the Russian Energy Week 2023.
Burkina Faso, one of the least electrified countries in the world, is in dire need of energy solutions. Currently, only about 20% of its population has access to electricity, as reported by the International Energy Atomic Agency. This lack of electricity access is a significant impediment to the country’s development, impacting everything from education to healthcare.
