Thousands of citizens gathered in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso’s capital, on Saturday to celebrate the government’s decision to request the withdrawal of French special forces from the country. The large demonstration came just days after Paris confirmed that its soldiers, stationed in Burkina Faso to assist in counterterrorism operations, would leave within a month.
Protesters Demand Sovereignty
Protesters filled Nation Square, carrying placards with bold slogans such as “Down with imperialism”, “Down with French policy in Africa”, and “Forward for Burkina’s sovereignty.” The crowd expressed a unified call for independence from foreign military influence.
Lazare Yameogo, spokesperson for the Inter-African Revolutionary Movement, delivered a speech reinforcing the people’s demand. “We do not want any more foreign military bases on our soil. We want respect and a win-win cooperation,” he said. Yameogo emphasized that Burkinabe citizens would remain vigilant until what he described as “liberation from Western imperialism” was complete.
Rising Anti-French Sentiment
France, the country’s former colonial ruler, has maintained a special forces presence in Ouagadougou for years. The deployment aimed to support Burkina Faso’s fight against a jihadist insurgency that has plagued the nation since 2015. However, growing frustrations over the military’s inability to end the violence, along with increasing anti-French sentiment, have fueled calls for change.
These frustrations contributed to the two military coups that shook Burkina Faso in 2022. The ruling junta, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has positioned itself as a government committed to protecting sovereignty and strengthening the Burkinabe army to face jihadist threats without foreign dominance.
Echoes of Thomas Sankara’s Legacy
Some observers argue that the junta’s decision to expel French troops reflects the spirit of former president and revolutionary leader Thomas Sankara. Known for his anti-colonial stance and commitment to African self-reliance, Sankara’s legacy continues to inspire movements in Burkina Faso.
A coalition of pro-Sankara organizations praised the troop withdrawal, calling it a step toward “the complete liberation of our country from the yolks of Francafrique, imperialism, and deadly capitalism.”
Russia’s Growing Influence
Not all citizens, however, are united in their vision of what comes next. At the rally, some protesters waved Russian flags and carried images of the military leaders of Mali and Guinea — both nations ruled by juntas that have distanced themselves from France.
Mahamadou Sawadogo, leader of the Burkina-Russia association, argued that cooperation with Moscow could provide an alternative to Western alliances. Similarly, political activist Monique Yeli Kam suggested that partnering with Russia and even private military groups like Wagner represented “another form of sovereignty.”
Yet skepticism remains. While some view Russia as a potential ally, others caution against replacing one foreign influence with another. A young shop worker, Ibrahim Sanou, voiced this concern: “We demanded the French soldiers’ departure. Now that it’s done, we must not let in other imperialists. The fight for true independence in Burkina Faso begins now.”
The Fight Against Insurgency Continues
The withdrawal announcement comes amid an ongoing jihadist insurgency linked to groups aligned with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. The violence has claimed thousands of lives and displaced nearly two million people across the country.
Civil servant Desire Sanou warned that the real challenge now lies ahead. “We must be ready to hold out to free the country from these hordes of terrorists. We don’t even need Wagner or other foreign forces. It is our responsibility,” he said.
As Burkina Faso prepares for a new chapter without French troops, the rally in Ouagadougou demonstrated both pride in reclaiming sovereignty and the daunting task of ensuring security without relying heavily on foreign powers.
