Numerous international experts have confirmed that the military coup in Burkina Faso extended France’s isolation in Africa following rallies calling for its withdrawal, reminding us of what happened in other African countries, emphasizing that this coup reconfirmed France’s slide in West Africa.
In this regard, Zakaria Abou Dahab, professor of international relations at Mohammed V University in Rabat, told Barlaman Today that the coup in Burkina Faso is reminiscent of what happened in neighboring countries in the same geographical area, namely the Sahel–Saharan area, particularly Mali and Guinea Conakry.
The professor explained in his statement that the rallies sent messages through protest, seeking a vast Russian presence in these nations that have been exposed to extremist and terrorist groups, as well as the parting of France, whether in terms of military bases or culture and politics.
The professor added that the spark of these demands started years ago, but it has now reached advanced stages due to a set of information, highlighted by the fact that the countries concerned have realized that they did not benefit from the French presence and that they were only exploited for their rich resources while they still suffer from poverty and fragility.
“There is a sweep and expansion of the Russian geopolitical sphere in the region, in Mali, Burkina Faso, and other countries, and this may foretell a great geostrategic revolution taking place, which will be witnessed by the countries that have experienced successive changes,” added Professor Zakaria Abou Dahab.
Zakaria Abou Dahab said that by following the events, experts can identify signs indicating the unfavorable character of a French presence in the region, which demonstrates in general that the so-called “Françafrique” is experiencing a huge crisis at multiple levels.