French millitary withdraw operations in Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso has officially marked the end of France’s military operations in the West African nation.

This came after a flag lowering ceremony that was held at the French special Forces camp a day before.

Last month, Burkina Faso gave France one month to withdraw its troops as it ended a military accord that allowed French troops to fight insurgents on its territory, citing a wish for the country to defend itself.

Through a statement, the General Staff of the Burkinabe Armed Forces said it had participated with the leadership of France’s Sabre special forces in “a solemn flag-lowering ceremony marking the official end of the Task Force’s operations on Burkinabe soil.”

Some of the protestors held Russian flags, a sign of the complicated political undercurrents shaping the region.

Both Burkina Faso and neighboring Mali are ruled by military juntas which seized power by force in the last two years, promising to improve security and look beyond their traditional allies for support.