"He was unequivocal in saying that only Burkinabe will defend their country. They have no intention of inviting Wagner," US Under Secretary for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland said.

Western nations have condemned neighbouring Mali for deploying Russian mercenaries to battle jihadist groups in the country.

They accuse Russia of providing material support in the deployment of mercenaries from the Wagner group, although Kremlin denies any government links with the shadowy private military company.