Burkina Faso has formally acceded to the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (VCLND), signalling progress in its plans to develop a civilian nuclear energy programme in partnership with Russia.
The ratification was unanimously approved by Burkina Faso’s Transitional Legislative Assembly, aligning the country’s legal framework with international nuclear liability standards as it advances cooperation with Moscow.
Key developments
• Burkina Faso is pursuing nuclear energy to address chronic electricity shortages and strengthen energy security.
• Cooperation with Russia includes a memorandum of understanding and a nuclear energy roadmap agreed with Rosatom.
• A landmark intergovernmental nuclear agreement was finalised in June 2025, building on deals initiated in 2024.
• Accession to the VCLND provides legal assurances on compensation and operator liability in the event of a nuclear incident.
The move reflects both Burkina Faso’s energy ambitions and Russia’s expanding nuclear footprint in the Sahel.
ℹ️ AfricaNews, Business Insider Africa
Follow on social media TikTok@tut0ughInstagram@tut0ugh Threads@tut0ugh X@tut0ugh YouTube@tut0ugh
tut0ugh 