Burkina Faso: French soldiers must leave the country

The Burkina Faso government suspended the military cooperation agreement signed with France in 2018 on January 18, Burkina Faso State Television (RTB) reported, citing the Burkina Faso News Agency (AIB).

The government demanded that the French military units stationed in Burkina Faso leave the country within one month.

400 soldiers are serving in the French Saber task force based in the capital Vagadugu.

Following the military coup in Burkina Faso on September 30, 2022, the longstanding anti-French opposition gained strength.

THE AMBASSADOR IS ASKED TO LEAVE

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.

In the country, on December 22, 2022, 2 French citizens were deported on charges of espionage and on December 4, 2022, the broadcasts of the French radio station Radio France Internationale (RFI) were suspended.

THE ANTI-FRANCE MOVEMENT PICKS UP

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)