Burkina Faso’s military regime asks France to recall envoy

By SAM MEDNICK
Associated Press

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Burkina Faso’s military junta says it has asked France to recall its ambassador, amid a surge in anti-French sentiment as the West African country moves to develop closer ties with Russia. The government spokesman confirmed Monday that France was asked to recall Ambassador Luc Hallade, but provided no further details. The French embassy refused to comment. The development comes less than two weeks after the United Nations’ resident and humanitarian coordinator in Burkina Faso was declared persona non grata. Burkina Faso has been wracked by violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group that has killed thousands and displaced nearly 2 million people.