EU preparing to expand training to Burkina Faso as security deteriorates

Burkina Faso faces a collapse similar to the one in northern Mali in 2012 if Europe does not substantially step up its military presence and aid, according to senior EU and national military officers and officials.

French soldiers from the Richelieu Desert Battle Group (GTD) are seen after crossing from Mali into northern Burkina Faso to link up with soldiers from the 11th Infantry Commando Regiment (RIC) during an operation in May–June 2019. (French Ministry of Armed Forces)

Speaking during a 22 January hearing of the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE), the officials said the situation is so serious that the EU Training Mission in Mali (EUTM Mali) needs to be expanded into Burkina Faso.

Lieutenant General Esa Pulkkinen, director general of the EU Military Staff, said Burkina Faso had suffered 2,000 jihadist-related deaths in 2019, exceeding the number in Mali for the first time. “Burkina [Faso] faces total meltdown, which is why an extension of EUTM Mali into the country is critical. The mere provision of military advice will not be enough. We need to do advisory and training there as we do in Mali. The country is very exposed; they are not able to defend themselves,” he said.

He added that there are indications that local militants are being empowered by ones with experience from other conflicts. “We have seen their fingerprints there already, and their tactics and procedures are very effective; they are flipping in their experience from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. This is very worrying,” he said.