Eastern Alliance Has Expanded to West Africa

The geopolitical landscape has clearly changed in the past several years. An Eastern block has expanded and now includes alliances from Russia to Iran to the Alliance of Sahel States, which is comprised of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in West Africa. 

Burkina Faso’s military government held high-level talks in Tehran with Iranian defense officials to expand security cooperation.

Both governments have expressed opposition to western hegemony through geopolitical influence and foreign domination. Additionally, Iran has publicly supported the Alliance of Sahel States, praising their shift toward strategic autonomy and sovereignty, according to Firstpost. 

To back up this political and ideological support, Iran supplied Burkina Faso with military hardware, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), armored vehicles, and tactical support to fight local militant groups.

Additionally, there was a reported signing of a MOU between Burkina Faso and Iran for peaceful nuclear research as well as training on the sidelines of an International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA conference.

Firstpost also reported that to pay for this military technology in addition to infrastructure support and refinery development, Burkina Faso trades natural resources, particularly gold.

Meanwhile, Russia, a non-western superpower, is providing weaponry to both Iran and Burkina Faso.

According to Times of India, Iran signed a deal with Russia in December 2025 for 500 missile launchers and 2500 missiles and deliveries are scheduled through 2029. Also, some suspect that Russia has provided Iran with counter-intelligence information and systems.

Russia has also equipped Burkina Faso with Mi-171Sh Transport/Combat Helicopters to provide their Air Force with versatile troop transport and weaponized fire support.

Deliveries of advanced Russian-made surface-to-air missile systems to upgrade national airspace protection against potential aerial threats were reported, in addition to general military hardware that will include regular bulk deliveries of modern tactical and logistics equipment under bilateral security agreements.

Additionally, standard infantry rifles, machine guns, and shoulder-launched munitions to equip expanding auxiliary and regular forces fighting militant insurgencies have been supplied by the eastern super power. 

Lastly and importantly, Russia equipped Burkina Faso with counter-intelligence and surveillance systems which enabled the government to anticipate threats to the nation. 

These alliances have been game changers in Africa, where in the past, governments were seemingly toppled by western powers with ease. But, the geopolitical landscape has changed.