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French Military Ops end in Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso officially marked the end of French military operation on its soil on November 9, 2021. The announcement came after more than 60 years of military cooperation between the two countries.
French troops had been deployed to Burkina Faso to help fight against terrorism and insurgency in the Sahel region, which has been plagued by instability and violence. However, in recent years, there have been increasing calls for African countries to take more control of their security, and for foreign troops to withdraw.
The move by Burkina Faso to end French military operations is seen as part of a wider trend of African nations seeking to reduce their reliance on foreign military support and take greater control of their
security.
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Burkina Faso’s official end of French military operations is a significant milestone for the country. It symbolizes a long-awaited moment of independence and sovereignty for many Burkinabes.
However, the departure of the French military raises concerns about the nation’s readiness to confront security challenges on its own as the French military had been supporting Burkina Faso’s government in its efforts to combat the deadly insurgency for years, with jihadist groups, by providing military training, intelligence, and logistics support.
The country’s security situation remains precarious, with armed groups still active in the northern and eastern regions. The end of French military operations raises question about the capacity of the Burkinabe security forces to provide security for their citizens.
The Burkinabe government has already established a new counterterrorism force and announced plans to
increase military spending, but it remains to be seen whether they will be able to effectively combat the armed groups given the country’s fragile economy and the government’s history of corruption. Nonetheless, French military’s departure will undoubtedly have a significant impact and unintended consequences for the local economy.
What about the local population?
Although it is a significant step towards greater independence, it also raises questions about the country’s ability to provide security for its citizens.
For years, the people of Burkina Faso have been caught in the middle of a conflict between the government and armed groups. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths, displacements, and destruction of infrastructure.
The presence of foreign troops can create a sense of dependency and undermine the sovereignty of the host country. Although, the French military intervention was aimed at providing security and stability in the country, but some argue that it has also contributed to the rise of anti-French sentiment among the population.
The end of French military operations could therefore be seen as an opportunity for Burkina Faso to assert its independence and sovereignty.
While French Military officials have praised the long-standing cooperation between the two countries, with French Defense Minister expressing gratitude for Burkina Faso’s partnership over the years, “Together we have faced up to threats and challenges, and it is thanks to this that the situation has improved in the region,” it is time for Burkina Faso to enter a new phase in the country’s fight against terrorism and to take greater responsibility for its own security.
However, “This does not mean the end of diplomatic relations between Burkina Faso and France” said a government spokesperson.
