According to the state news agency AIB, the military regime in Burkina Faso wants French troops to leave the country within a month. Earlier this month, the French ambassador was expelled.
“Last Wednesday, the Burkinabe government terminated the agreement regulating the presence of the French armed forces on its territory since 2018,” AIB said. There are currently 400 French soldiers in the country in West Africa to help fight the jihadists.
Relations between France and Burkina Faso have deteriorated in recent months. One of the reasons for this is that a new military regime came to power here in a coup in September. This was the second blow in eight months. The country is now ruled by the army led by Captain Abraham Traoré.
‘Confusing’
President Macron said yesterday that he was waiting for “explanations” from the Burkinabé leader. Captain Traoré describes Burkina Faso’s report as “confusing” as he is not in the capital.
Also, Macron says it’s important to be careful as Russia could get involved in the discussion. Since the last coup, strengthening relations with Moscow has been on the agenda in Burkina Faso. Last Friday, a massive anti-French demonstration was held in the capital, where French flags were burned and Russian flags waved.
free women and children
Burkina Faso has been subjected to violence by al-Qaeda and ISIS-linked extremists since 2015. Violence is spreading from neighboring Mali. Jihadists occupy areas in the north of the country.
In recent years, hundreds of villagers have been killed in the area and thousands have fled. 66 women and children kidnapped by gunmen believed to be jihadists were also released this weekend.
Source: NOS
Karen Clayton is a seasoned journalist and author at The Nation Update, with a focus on world news and current events. She has a background in international relations, which gives her a deep understanding of the political, economic and social factors that shape the global landscape. She writes about a wide range of topics, including conflicts, political upheavals, and economic trends, as well as humanitarian crisis and human rights issues.
