Anti-French protesters take to the streets in Burkina Faso

At the call of the Collective of African Leaders (CLP), the activists gathered at Nation Square in Vagadugu and demanded that France withdraw its troops from the country and that Vagadugu’s French ambassador, Luc Hallade, leave the country.

One of the protesters, CLP member Moumini Boly, said Burkina Faso is determined to regain its economic, political and cultural independence. “We want France and the French soldiers to leave Burkina Faso. We want to be independent and cooperate with other partners.” saying.

In late December, the Burkina Faso government demanded the removal of France’s vagadugu ambassador, Luc Hallade, and a replacement. The government claimed that Hallade was no longer a reliable interlocutor and stated that they did not want to work with him.

It is still unknown if the French ambassador left Burkina Faso.

Allegations that deposed leader Paul-Henri Damiba took refuge in the French Embassy after the military coup in Burkina Faso on September 30, 2022 stirred the streets. Following the complaints, protesters gathered around the French embassy tried to enter the building shouting anti-French slogans. The protesters, who were unable to enter the embassy, ​​set fire to the building’s entrance.
Since then, the French Embassy has been closed to the public and security measures around it have been increased.

At the demonstration held on November 18, 2022, protesters gathered in front of the embassy chanted anti-French slogans and attempted to attack the embassy building with sticks and stones. (AA)