Experts argue that Burkina Faso entered a new dawn after the last French forces that were based in the West African nation with the mandate of aiding in the fight against jihadists, left the country.
Lassane Sawadogo, the head of the Front for the Defence of the Fatherland (FDS), a pro-junta movement that regularly stages anti-France rallies where Russian flags are usually prominent, said President Emmanuel Macron’s administration should not take recent developments personally.
“I urge French people to understand that we don’t have problems with them, we don’t even hate President Emmanuel Macron,” said Sawadogo.
“But we do hate this system which has been imposed on us from the past, and which is perpetuating,” he added.
Pema Neya, a student leader in the West African nation echoed Sawadogo’s sentiments.
“French leaders are talking up anti-French feeling in Africa so that they can stir up public opinion at home,” said Neya.
“That’s unfair. The French people are friends, brothers, they are very welcome here,” he added.
The student leader also said youth in his nation are keen on Russian support and frown upon “condescending and paternalistic French policies.”
Oumarou Paul Koalaga, an expert on international relations said there remained a groundswell of attachment to France—a trade partner, provider of aid and source of cultural support.
“There’s a silent majority who may not have the possibility to express themselves,” said Koalaga.
“When you look at social networks, the media, there’s a clash of ideas. Not everyone is part of this thinking of a complete and abrupt breakoff with France. Unfortunately, these aren’t the people you hear,” he added.
The international relations expert also said cooperation between Burkina Faso and France will continue, despite the recent military developments.
“The regime needs to have the backing of a certain sector of opinion, but in reality it doesn’t want to go further,” he said.
“Cooperation (with France) will continue,” he added.
