Deep-rooted alliance: China equips Burkina Faso amidst Sahel region's distancing from Western defense commitments
In a significant move, Burkina Faso has received a new delivery of advanced military hardware from China, as reported by Military Africa, a leading news platform on African defence, security, and military affairs. The latest consignment, filmed at a port facility in early May 2024, includes VN22B fire support vehicles, PLL-05 120mm self-propelled gun-mortar systems, and SR5 rocket launch systems.
This latest delivery marks the fifth major consignment since Burkina Faso reactivated and deepened its diplomatic and military relationship with China in 2024. The partnership, which emerged under junta leader Ibrahim Traoré, was forged as Burkina Faso moved away from Western allies like France and the US, due to growing dissatisfaction and deteriorating security amid jihadist violence, including threats from Islamic State-affiliated groups in the Sahel.
The VN22B fire support vehicle is a 6x6 wheeled armored platform equipped with a stabilized 30mm autocannon and electro-optical fire control. It is designed to engage armored targets and fortified positions with high mobility and modular armor protection. The PLL-05 system, on the other hand, is a 120mm self-propelled gun-mortar offering flexible indirect and direct fire support, enhancing artillery capability in varied terrain. The SR5 multiple rocket launch system (MLRS) provides Burkina Faso with long-range precision and saturation rocket fire, capable of firing guided and unguided rockets up to 70 km.
These deliveries represent a major upgrade in mobility, firepower, and operational capability of Burkina Faso’s armed forces. They aim primarily to bolster Burkina Faso’s ability to counter militant threats from jihadist groups linked to both al-Qaeda and Islamic State. It is important to note that there are no indications from current information that China has a direct relationship with Islamic State; instead, China supports Burkina Faso in its efforts against jihadist groups in the Sahel.
In summary, the latest delivery from China to Burkina Faso further strengthens the military capabilities of the country. The new equipment, not previously seen in Burkina Faso, includes the VN22B fire support vehicles, PLL-05 120mm self-propelled gun-mortar systems, and SR5 rocket launch systems. This marks a clear strategic pivot by Burkina Faso to Chinese military support to strengthen its defense and sovereignty amid escalating insurgent violence in the Sahel region.
- The strategic pivot by Burkina Faso to Chinese military support, as evident in the latest delivery of advanced military hardware, such as the VN22B fire support vehicles and PLL-05 120mm self-propelled gun-mortar systems, is a political response to growing dissatisfaction with Western allies and escalating jihadist violence in the Sahel region.
- As Burkina Faso deepens its diplomatic and military relationship with China, the partnership, which has resulted in numerous major consignments since 2024, is playing a significant role in shaping the country's diplomacy and politics, particularly in terms of war-and-conflicts, as China offers military support against jihadist threats in the Sahel.
