France's Waning Influence in West Africa, Russia Seeks to Fill the Void

Rebels who have taken control of Burkina Faso appear on local broadcasts to announce their seizure of power.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] As France's influence over West African countries weakens, Russia is stepping in to fill the gap.

On the 2nd (local time), the Associated Press (AP) reported, citing local authorities, that Burkina Faso in West Africa expelled the French ambassador stationed in the country. A spokesperson for the Burkina Faso government confirmed to AP that Luc Hallade, the French ambassador, was requested to leave the country. The ambassador's expulsion occurred less than two weeks after the expulsion of the UN humanitarian coordinator residing in Burkina Faso.

Burkina Faso, which was taken over by the military under Ibrahim Traor? through a coup last September, has recently been forming a close relationship with Russia. Last month, the prime minister even visited Russia. On the other hand, anti-French sentiment against the former colonial power is reportedly rising.

This situation is occurring not only in Burkina Faso but also in neighboring Mali. Since 2013, French troops have been stationed in the semi-arid Sahel region of West Africa after driving out Islamic extremist forces in northern Mali. However, they have been criticized by local governments for failing to achieve significant results in fighting jihadists (Islamic militants), and at the end of last year, relations with the Malian military government deteriorated, leading to the withdrawal of French troops. Mali also expelled the French ambassador a year ago.