French Foreign Ministry recalls Ambassador to Burkina Faso due to tensions | Europe

French army soldiers patrol during Operation Barkhane in the village of Gorom Gorom, northern Burkina Faso, November 14, 2019. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

On January 26, the French Foreign Ministry announced that it was recalling the country’s ambassador to Burkina Faso, citing “recently evolving circumstances,” a day after Paris announced it would withdrawal from this African country.

The announcement stated: “We have decided Summon Ambassador in Ouagadougou to conduct consultations on the situation and views regarding our bilateral cooperation.”

Protest activities of those who oppose the presence of French army has increased in Burkina Faso, partly related to the perception that France has not done enough to tackle a widespread Muslim insurgency in recent years from neighboring Mali.

[Quân đội Pháp tuyên bố sẽ rút các binh sỹ khỏi Burkina Faso]

Earlier, on January 25, France announced that it would withdraw its troops next month after Burkina Faso’s military government asked them to leave the African country.

Relations between France and Burkina Faso, a former French colony, have deteriorated since the military coup in the West African country in late September 2022. The interim government in Burkina Faso has even asked France to replace the French Ambassador to the country.

Prior to Burkina Fasoin August 2022, the French army also had to completely withdraw from Mali, another West African country after more than 9 years of presence also due to disagreement with the military junta in Mali.

The French Ministry of the Army is expected to transfer these special forces to Niger, Mali’s neighboring country, and Burkiana Faso to maintain the fight against the jihadists.

Thanh Binh (VNA/Vietnam+)

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