Burkina: General Michon takes stock of Operation Barkhane in the region
The commander of the Barkhane force Laurent Michon, during a press conference in Ouagadougou, March 11, 2022. AFP - OLYMPIA DE MAISMONT
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General Laurent Michon, commander of the Barkhane force explained the profound changes concerning the withdrawal of French and European troops from Mali.
Even if part of the device will remain in Niger, it will not be a redeployment of the Barkhane force.
No more operations in the area of the three borders either, but the French forces will be able to intervene in Burkina Faso at the express request of the new authorities, and on condition that no presence of mercenaries is reported on Burkinabe soil a- he assured.
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With our correspondent in Ouagadougou
,
Yaya Boudani
Force Commander Barkhane was direct.
There is no intention or request to deploy or redeploy forces in Burkina Faso following Barkhane's disengagement from Mali.
Even if, for the past few weeks, armed terrorist groups have been exerting some pressure in the Sahel region.
“
The effect on terrorist groups of operation keletigui led by the Malians with mercenaries from the south towards the center of Mali, it accelerates the movement of terrorist groups along the border and on the north of Burkina obviously.
»
France is closely following the current political situation in Burkina Faso according to its ambassador.
For Luc Hallade, his country will align itself with the decisions of sub-regional organizations, and France will only commit its forces to Burkina Faso after an express request from the new authorities.
“
On the military level, as the general said, as much as the authorities of Burkina Faso wish, and according to their request and expressed needs.
And on the political or cooperation level, once again, as long as the overall framework, including the regional one, allows us.
»
General Laurent Michon hopes that the populations will not oppose the passage of the military convoy which would come to disengage from Mali.
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Burkina Faso
mali
France