#ibrahimtraoré
The leaders of the Sahel are not the only ones who want the eradication of the influence and presence of the region's former colonial master, France. The people are also in tandem with their leaders and this is why anti-French sentiments have spread across the region. Western media may say that the reason for the spread of anti-French sentiments is because of Russian propaganda but that's a wrong notion. The leaders of the Sahel may be growing increasingly close to Russia but the fact is Russia is not the reason why anti-french sentiment has spread and neither is it because of the Sahel leaders. The truth is the citizens have had enough of French influence and presence. They have seen that partnership with France throughout all these years has not resulted in anything tangible. It has not benefited them in any way and the only one this partnership with France seems to benefit is the puppet leaders.
Now under those leaders, the citizens could not do anything to express their sentiments toward France, and those who did were usually shut down. However, with leaders like Captain Traore, Assimi Goita, and General Tiani, who possess similar feelings towards France, it became easier for the citizens to express themselves and show their true feelings regarding France. Recently, there was a heavy protest in Burkina Faso, with hundreds of citizens who are staunchly loyal to President Traore. But what was the reason for the protest?